Abundant Life

I am sitting here, listening to my Christian music on the headsets. I am looking at pictures I have taken of this month. What an abundant life I have! Family, friends, a home and music of praise playing in my ears.

Abundance. That is the life God has promised, and it is the life I have. Thank you Jesus.

I'm Not Trying to Be Critical

Have you been watching the debates on who will be president? I have. I am not interested in politics, or sports. Does that sound unbelievable? Well, I just can't see spending lots of time on things I am not really involved in. If I pick a candidate- will it make a huge difference? Not really; but I do vote and I am watching.

What has amazed me more than anything is the amount of emotion that some fans have. Tears flow down their faces, tempers rare up- for what? I really wonder why "ordinary" citizens invest so much emotion into a candidate. I would understand if it was family, or maybe a friend: but someone that really does not know them. Hum. I respect the person that feels passion. I want to know what the passion does? How is that passion changing the world?

I am not trying to be critical of anyone. Certainly to feel so strong is admirable. But, it seems to me that the true passion we invest should be over eternal matters. Where is my passion today? Is my faith enough it brings tears? Do I believe strong enough to invest time, money and my soul in what I believe?

I thank all people that invest in worthy projects. Politics? Well, for me it is not what moves me. But I hope my faith does change the world- one person at a time, and maybe that is what these fine people wish for too.

God bless America and may we humbly seek God in it all. And may our candidate bring us closer to God. For that is my ruler,a leader that proved he was all about change: and willing to be a prisoner of war: the war of good and evil.

It Doesn't Look Like Much

OK, I realize this does not look like much; but it is heaven to me. This is my sad little backyard. The reason it is heaven to me is that I love my yard. Under these big leaves: bright pumpkins!

My yard is coming along slowly. When we took this house last year the yard looked much worse. There were weeds past our knees. The lawn was weed infested. This box where the pumpkins grow was a spot of grass which I changed to a flower bed. It does not look like much now- but I love my yard. In it I find peace, quiet and joy. Daily I search for new pumpkins. I add things and rearrange things. Slowly it is changing into more of a home than a weed patch. These changes come slowly, but they are coming.

One thing I think about when I am in my yard, is how much God must enjoy gardens. We are told that he made The Garden of Eden. What was in it? Paths with waterfalls? Maybe quiet sitting areas? Maybe a cozy spot overlooking the sea? I don't know; but I am sure God found joy in it.

As I learn more of life I believe God enjoys peace. He reaches us in ways of beauty and I believe his quiet places are when we hear Him the best.

God Still is in Control

I have always tried to be totally honest in this blog. I hate simplistic answers in faith. And recently I am struggling. I wonder where God is, and I feel pretty alone in my pursuit of Him. It seems I am doing the work: praying, studying, crying out to be heard. But no answer....

Recently I read in Oswald Chambers book that when we feel the most absent of God is when we are developing the most. Then is when we must stand on faith alone. I am not doing too well: but I stand on my faith. God is in control, and I will press onward.

God is Babysitting Tonight

Recently I have been so depressed, ridiculously depressed. I took two days to run away to my parent's house. There I kept going over and over what was going on in my life. Then I realized that I felt overwhelmed by babysitting my granddaughter. My quiet and peaceful life had changed. My little angel is so busy. Though I love her, her constant movement is a challenge. And I found I was resenting that I am raising a child. I already did that.

So I talked to my husband. He told me that I had to stop and put a limit on how many times a month she could visit. I was angry and hurt. What would happen to our granddaughter? But, the Bible says that we are to submit to our husbands. So I did.

Today, my husband got up and told me it was "my day", that he would do anything I wanted. It was his way of letting me know, he saw the pain I had been in and now he was taking care of me.
That act of kindness melted my heart.

God showed me in my study today that I must turn my granddaughter over to His care. So, today my baby is with her mother. I am resting and trusting God to protect my granddaughter and I have peace- and a good night's sleep is coming! YES!

Just Remember

Lately I have been moody, depressed and anxious. What causes that? Oh, who really knows? I think sometimes life just gets a catch on us and we don't know how to get out of the messes it brings us. And that means we live in hopelessness.

God is not a god of hopelessness. He is a God of hope. If I remember that he only asks me to manage the day I am on- that is pretty easy. So, today. I hope I can be at peace and joy. Remembering that today- all is well. God has all things taken care of in my world and I just need to remember that.

In a Quiet Place

Recently I have been moody:sad, quiet and just wanting to hide like my little dog here. It seems I have too much to think about and I feel unable to find the answers to some questions I have. But this has been a good time too. As I play in my garden, pray and try and think things through I make some good discoveries. I am finding that in the times of true frustration; confusing and sadness is also deep knowledge.

It is as I read, pray and study I am thinking and meditating. I am learning.

So for today, I will walk in the garden. Stay in prayer and know that just as my dog has found a safe place, so have I. In my prayer garden, with my quiet moments of reflection. I will rest.

Good Wisdom

As I read The Shack, I must admit that he has come interesting views. One thing that I picked up was his take on the future. The author asks some good questions. When we fear the future, do we see Jesus there.

That question has had me really thinking. Do I see Jesus in my future? No. Maybe I need to adjust my spiritual vision. If he is here today, why not tomorrow. And he was there in the past.

I was reading from Martin Luther. He said he has a calendar with only two dates. Today and the day he meets God. Such good wisdom and something to think about for sure!

Looking in the Mirror

Recently someone wrote that we need to look in a mirror at ourselves. I believe I understood what the writer was saying and I believe it is good advice. Check our own motives, and make sure we are not the problem. This is wise counsel.

But...thinking about it, I really don't believe it the answer. We need to be looking to God. When we run to God humbly and ask him to show us truth. He will. When we are looking in the mirror, our own reflection comes back. And what we can see can be distorted by our own views and biases.

I do think we need to be responsible. We need to ask the hard questions; what part? Are we taking responsibility for our actions? Did we really listen? Are we looking at the other person through God's eyes: loving and objective? We can ask these questions in prayer. Then God will reflect back to us, what we need to know to make decisions for the good of ourself and the other person.

Shaking "The Shack"

OK, around here everyone is reading the book The Shack and they are loving it. Me- not.

While I do enjoy the attempt of the author to challenge our thinking, I personally am not impressed. Why? Because I see God as much bigger and greater. I don't want to be buddies with God. I want to to be so in awe of Him that I simply need to fall in reverence. And, I do feel that way often.

One of my friends asked me, "Doesn't that make you feel at a distance from him, aloof and that God is untouchable?" No, it really does not. I see God as mighty, powerful, yet very approachable. Do I have times of doubt, fear, etc? Yes, but a dancing God does not change my fears. I want a God that is powerful enough to change lives, the world and mankind: but approachable and loving. My god is that kind of God, but I am not even on the same plain as him. I can sit and enjoy his company; but not as a "buddy" or "friend" - as a daughter. I am family.

I am reading The Shack, and think it has some great points, but for me I want something deeper. I take my God. A god that rules, loves and is higher than I. A god wiser than I can understand but closer than mankind. Now that's a God I can spend time with!

A Simple Life

I was reading lately that in our society we are over stimulated with electronics. I love my electronics; but I also love the simple life. I like working in my garden, reading a book, visiting with a friend.

As I was thinking about this, I realized that I love my Christian life. God has given me such a great life. I can stay where flowers are, listen to friends or just be in peace.

I am thankful for so much. I do have life more abundantly.

What is it?

What is it? This is the store that carries the rejects from Goodwill! It is so dirty that my mother will not even go inside. It is the broken, the rejected and the worn down items cast off even from second hand stores. And....I love it, I go often. Why? Because to me it is magic. You see in this store are the really poor. The ones that can't buy much, maybe look different or speak different. It is also the place I find mankind. Out of the middle of nothing, I find something laughter and joy.

When I am with the poorest of the poor. I feel a family. For here, all mingle. No one asks questions. No one judges another. Each person sort of shares in his joy. No need to compare clothing, everyone is dressed down. Status? What is that? Yet, there is laughter and friendship here. People pick through the junk and smile at their treasures. Kids push around odd toys and no one cares. Imagination rules here. One looks for clothing tossed out, but another looks for future craft items. No one judges the action of another.

Somehow, it reminds me a lot of heaven and God. What others see as junk, he sees as treasure. He does not care what package we come either. No status, as we are all his children. And children run freely in his kingdom. He looks through all things and find items that appear broken and turns them into treasures. Isn't that a God thing?

Father Knows Best

This weekend I was pouting. It seems troubles sometimes come to me. When it would be so easy to pass the buck, I don't. My father was a man of integrity; and something he taught us was to do the right thing popular or not. One of the greatest gifts my father gave me he did not even know he gave me.

He passed a huge financial gain in his business because it meant cheating his employees. Instead he turned his back on the money and kept his integrity. And that value both my brother and I saw modeled. It is not always easy though doing the right thing. I have had jobs that wanted me to lie, and when I would not I was forced to resign. I have been pushed to misrepresent people for the advantage of another- I did not. I was denied promotions.

This weekend God asked me to do the right thing in a situation. I didn't want to. I wanted "my rights" and was tired of conflict. "Why God, why don't you cut me a break!" So I went about feeling sorry for myself. As I went my way pouting through it- I remembered in the bible I was reading about Jeremiah. He often did not get to do what he wanted. I smiled inside. God was gently nudging me, "Life is choices. Do you want to serve me? My service is called through sacrifice and obedience." I smiled back. I knew God was right.

It is not always easy doing the right thing. But, when I chose the right path I can be as my Dad. I can walk knowing I have treated all people as Jesus would: honestly and fairly. My character is built, and I understand God better. I thank my Dad for being a man that did the right thing, regardless of his own personal gain. And I thank my heavenly father for being patient as I tantrum. Because I do believe "Father Knows Best".

It's Not Easy

Sometimes being a Christian is not easy. This weekend I had a conflict with someone. I feel she is totally in the wrong. She accused me of things I did not do. She tried to fight with me, and then when I refused to fight with her; she stopped off pouting. I have been angry, frustrated and totally concerned of how to respond.

During this weekend I realized that I have a battle also. My battle is my attitude. I want to "tell her off". I want to retaliate and "educate" her. But is that God's will? No. God is not a God of conflict. He tells us clearly that vengency is his. Doing my will, is not God's will.

So, I will continue in prayer: for her, for me. And though I don't "feel" peace, I will live it. I will treat her with dignity, respect and kindness. She is God's child and my calling is to love as Jesus does. Jesus, gave his will to the father and I will do the same.

God Disciplines

Does this look like the face of a devil? Well, believe me my granddaughter can be so nasty. With me she is a really sweet girl, but with mama- a nightmare. The difference? Mama does not discipline, has no schedule and my granddaughter can do whatever she wants.

God tells us he disciplines us. Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking God is harsh. But as I work with my granddaughter I see God's great love in discipline.

When my granddaughter is here there is order, she knows the rules and is very helpful, happy and wants to please. When she is at her home, she tantrums, demands and I don't want to be around her.

God's disciplines because he loves us so much. Thank you Jesus, for wanting me to be happy through discipline. Help me to trust you when you discipline.

A Creative God

I have been playing and having a great time. I am working really hard to get my yard to be more than a rock pile and to have some interest. In that time I have been making things for my yard, and fixing it up. It has been fun, work and expense but I have loved every minute of it.

I have been thinking about God. I am sure he must have had so much fun in the garden. He was creating and he was dreaming. I often don't think of God as an artist, but I believe he was. He took the time to create, dream and enjoy what he made.

I am glad God loved being creative. He has so many different things He does for us.

Seeking God

Well, my daughter sent me an email asking if she should get back with her boyfriend. I sigh, and don't know how to respond. He is not a Christian, and my dream always was that my daughter would marry a man that loved God.

I hurt when I think of the mess and future problems of marrying someone outside, that does not love God. I am sad too that she has not loved God.

Today, I need wisdom. And I am thankful that God loves us. I call on him, as I seek to know what to do.

Praying for America

This is a picture of my mother and my granddaughter. Recently I have been thinking a lot about the fact that children today often are orphans to a culture that no longer puts children as very valued. We abort the unwanted, we ship kids to daycare, and leave family in pursuit of careers.

What will happen to us? Can society deal with the changes that no longer value children as gifts from God. I feel so fortunate that my granddaughter has great grandparents. But I worry for America's children. I am praying for America and her children.

Resting With God

I had the most wonderful experience this week. I have been very tired lately and told God I was too tired to really even study. I would have to just read a bit, meditate and be quiet. During that time of prayer and meditation; I realized that sometimes the greatest glory we can give God is to set time aside just to really relax in his love. To open our hearts in prayer and wait on God.

This is an important lesson for me. I am too busy, often use my time with God as a chore list. "OK, spent my time with God today."

How awful I would feel if it was that way with my children. "Well, I got done with being with my mother." I would rather they did not even come. But if they spent time with me, just being themselves; I would be so happy.

So I apologize to God, and I will be resting in him more.

Teaching My Granddaughter

My granddaughter loves to work with me in the garden. I am amazed how quickly she is learning. The other day she surprised me when she bowed her head, closed her eyes, because she was in church.

It is a privilege to share time with my granddaughter. I hope she learns Jesus love from me.

Lean on the Side of Love

I am in a church which is like one I have never been in before. Here love is the guiding light. Sometimes we ere on the side of love. When we should be balanced a bit more with discipline. But isn't that a more positive way to fall- a bit to much love?

One day I went to the pastor to talk to him about an awkward situation going on in the church. We had a member who's daughter had passed away. Our member comes from a Native American background. In the service she wanted us to have a Native American service. The problem was that some of the service clearly was contrary to traditional Christian beliefs.

I went to my pastor to ask what to do, since I was the coordinator.

"Fall on the side of love, Linda"; my pastor said. I knew exactly what he was saying. So we had the memorial service as our member wanted. We believed that God would rather us support the grieving than argue of doctrines. The result? Well, this weekend our sister is being baptized. She is learning, changing and falling in love with God.

I thank God for a pastor that asks us to lean on the side of love. When Jesus said, "Who will cast the first stone...." Well wasn't that controversial also. Today, lean on the side of love.

Love or Justice?

Commentary on Love and Justice, by Hugh Deadwyler

In the February's Christian Journal: Mr. Deadwyler writes about God being a balance of two differing points of view: love, and the other judgement. As I read the article the author's view came to me as harsh. He references an alcoholic which had shared with him his belief in God; even when he fell down many times. The author implies that, if this man had just gotten himself together he would not have been in so much trouble.

Aw....its true; but it is God's grace that went with the alcoholic through his journey. Isn't it a loving God that is so passionate he cares for us as many times as is needed until we can walk without illness. Do we need to be obedient? Yes, it is the key to spiritual growth. But, from my point of view, God's continual love to those of us who fall on a regular basis is what makes God, god and us much lower. I am impatient, and I get frustrated with those that fall so many times. I tire of the repeated failures and often just throw in the towel.

God's love is a balance. He expects obedience because obedience brings us closer to him; but true obedience is when we obey from love. When our hearts can be touched with love for the sinner, then we know God.

Chad's Article: February 2008- Wisdom

Reference: February issue of Lifting the Cross. Article by Chad

Chad, you know I liked your article. But I am not sure of everything you said. I am in agreement that we are saved by grace and I certainly believe it is God's spirit that changes us. I liked too your comment on the fact we do not need to worry about finding truth. God will lead us.

But, you say there is not one church that is especially called for God's service. And that I am not sure about. Certainly in bible times there were many churches. But God did have his hands on "one church". He set them aside to do his will. They rebelled and God opened the circle to all peoples.

I just wonder, does God have one church? Who is that? What will be their message? I think that they will be a church that is pulled out of many churches. I think God will restore his character in a small group that loves him with all their heart.

But your article taught me something, and I appreciate it. You are right. Our duty is to totally trust God, and allow us to that church. When we submit 100%, we can be in praise as we unite with others on a journey of complete submission to Christ. And God's people become a unified body. This body, I believe, will be the birthing of the "true church". Thanks for your article! I enjoyed it.

Just Listening

This text is a bit out of context. It speaks to the people about deliverance from an enemy. But I think the principle is the same. God comes running when we ask:

Joel 2:32 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, ....there will be deliverance....

My friend sent me an email. Her daughter had run away, and she just wanted to share it with me and to ask for prayer. My heart hurt for her. My son had run away also when he was 15, so I could understand her fears and broken heart.

I felt unusually thankful though. My dear friend, a professional and busy woman, felt she could trust me enough to touch her when she was really hurting.

I have been thinking about that with God. He too, runs to our hearts when we call out to him. And I think he also is touched when we trust him enough to share what really is inside of us.

I am meeting with my dear friend to just listen. Isn't that what God wants to do also? Sit with us, listen and tenderly wipe our tears. God be honored.

Fireproof

Fireproof

I am fortunate to have been invited to preview a movie before it hits the theaters. (How fun!) Anyway.... a movie is coming out: Fireproof which I thought was excellent. It's main thrust is the marriage. I won't say more than that; but it is a good movie and comes out September 25. Do mark it on your calendar, because it teaches a good value and is done well.

It is put out by a church which had a vision for Jesus. Starting with a budget of 30,000, they produced a movie. Then they jumped to 100,000 budget for the next movie and now 500,000. The last movie had 6000 known conversions, and ended up in 45 different languages. What will this movie do?

Thr church that produced this movie had a vision. With God's help the ministry bloomed. Today, may I live by a vision: to do all God sees I am capable of doing and to do my best for his service!

Jesus Way

Well, I must say I am an example of computer challenged. I purchased two clip art programs and as I try to figure out how to use them; I get more frustrated. I see them on the computer- they won't down load. I see them in the program and don't know how to move them where I want.

My son is a computer whiz. He would be laughing at my lack of computer skills, and in a flash have everything loaded and ready to go.

New believers must get frustrated too. Just think of the language alone. We have our own speech, our own values, and our own culture.

Today, though I want to throw this program and use it as a disk for play- I need to remember, this is how my new believing friends must feel. I need to be patient, knowing they are learning. Kindness needs to be the main part of my teaching....for that is Jesus way of doing things.

Team Players

I think it is so silly when people in leadership get puffed up about themselves. They can't do anything without the help of someone else. Someone has trained them. Someone cares about them and someone looks after them.

At my church, an impressive thing is that people work as a team. Here are two of my team members. They share with me the responsibility of praying. These ladies meet with me weekly and have been faithful. Our Prayer Ministry continues to grow as we continue to pray- and these two women have been so faithful.

I am in leadership, but I am humbled that God has placed such great people to support me in my journey. I am appreciative. I know my job is nothing without the support of faithful people like this. Even Jesus sought support. So if I ever start to get too puffed up about myself, well shame on me. Christianity is a team effort. No player too large. No player too small. We all serve a mighty God, and that is where the glory goes.

Sitting With Friends

I was with some friends Sunday. I was invited to have a brunch with them. We talked and had a good time. Shared our fears, ideas and what is happening in our lives. These things made us feel closer and more joyful.

I am just thinking about that is context of God. I don't spend enough time "having coffee" with him, sitting and enjoying just who he is. But it is the times when I really sit and meditate on his goodness, that I am filled with peace and joy.

Something to Praise God About

Recently I visited a friend's yard. It was like a park. Instead of really enjoying the yard, I realized how terrible my yard is. It is not really that I have tried to be neglectful. I simply have no skills. I was raised in a home of concrete yards. So what do I know about plants, gardens, landscapes etc. NOTHING! I was overwhelmed. And instead of going to my backyard, I never go out there because I am so frightened by what I don't know.

Forced from fear and frustration, I purchased some landscaping books this week- that made me feel even worse. I realized how much I truly don't know. But after some self talk I knew that doing nothing, was doing nothing. The situation will not get better because I am frightened right out of my own yard. So I have been working hard to get out there and work. And....I love it. My imagination is blooming and I am having so much fun!

As I was working I realized that it is much like Jesus. He promises to make all things new. And that is hope for a sinner's heart. God sees beauty in us, even when we don't see it ourselves. Isn't that something to praise God about?