Freedom

It's Memorial Day, a day when we are all reminded of how expensive our freedom is.  It has cost the lives of millions of men and women over the centuries, and it continues to be costly today.

In terms of our salvation we know that freedom for us meant Christ's death on the cross...the ultimate price paid by the sinless Son of God.  There is another level of freedom we are meant to enjoy as God's beloved children.  We should be living lives that are free from the entangling grip of sin tripping us up in our daily lives.  We know how we should live, so we redouble our efforts and try harder.  We hopefully come to learn that our own efforts are worthless and we need to depend on Christ's life in us to live as we should. 

There is an example in the history of Israel of this kind of daily challenge to trust the Lord.  As the people were being led to their new promised land they were fully aware of the promises that God had set before them of a land of freedom and provision far greater than they had ever known.  Yet as soon as they experienced hardships of needing water and craving familiar foods, they're first reaction was to say, "Why did you bring us out of Egypt?"  They actually preferred to return to lives of slavery and bondage rather than adapt to changes in their appetites and comforts.

Are we so different?  We like what we like, and we want what we want.    We proclaim that we will follow Christ as He leads us into freedom, but when we are made uncomfortable we have a real decision to make.  It requires a strong faith that God's way is higher than ours and true surrender of our own agendas to follow Christ into all He has purchased for us.  We will only be able to lay ourselves aside moment by moment if we remember how great His love for us really is.

Now Available--Email subscription

I hope you've all had a nice Memorial Day weekend!  Ours has been fun...seeing family, friends, and sleeping in, too!  There is a box on the right hand side of this home page where you can enter your email address to receive email notifications whenever I've posted something new here.  I hope that will be convenient for you; I know it's hard to keep up without reminders. 

Blessings on all!

To Move or Not to Move

Do you like to know the plan?  Are you uncomfortable with uncertainty and not knowing what to expect from day to day?  Me too.  Part of my reading this morning was Numbers 9 where the Bible tells about the tabernacle, when completed, was filled with God's glory.  By day the tabernacle was covered by the cloud, and by night by the appearance of fire.

 As long as the cloud and fire remained over the tabernacle, the camp stayed in place.  If, when morning came, the cloud had lifted, they broke camp and moved where the cloud led them.  That sounds very nice and all, but can you imagine living this way?  They never knew how long they would stay in one place...overnight, a few days, months, or a year or more.  Not much room for planning ahead or putting down roots.  You wouldn't be getting too attached to your surroundings. 

I'm not saying that we need to live that radical a lifestyle, but can we aspire to be open to God's leading day by day, moment by moment?  Can we begin to agree with Him not to move ahead without His direction, and to not hesitate when He shows the way?  Let's seek His heart and mind about how He would have us live every day, every hour, every minute.  He has had lots of practice and will be faithful to lead.

Arise, Shine

One of the passages I read this morning was Isaiah 60, and it starts with this verse..."Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."  The words that grab my attention are arise and shine.

Arise...get up, stand firm, meet the situation, open your eyes, open your ears, take stock of your resources, determine your position. 
Shine...praise Him, trust Him, leave all your cares with Him, depend fully on His life, give freely, give fully, rejoice, give thanks, pray always, love others, bless others, reach out.

This is how we are to live.  We are to arise and shine.  Every day.  All day.  In every circumstance.  In every joy.  In every pain.  In every trial.  In every temptation.  In every sorrow.  In every blessing.  In every victory.  In every answered prayer.  In every uncertainty.  In every disappointment.  In every dream.

How easy it is to live in the pit of our own making.  We forget how blessed we are and wallow in self-pity or despair while the Lord waits for us to step into the life He has provided in His Son.  In Him we can indeed arise and shine in every situation we face.  Trust all that God has provided and rely upon Him.

I'm Back!

It's been a long time since I published a post, and I think the time has come for me to pick this back up.  I hope that these posts will be helpful and encourage you to seek the Lord more fully, and I hope that your input here will help me as well. 

We, all of us who love the Lord, are family.  We share His life, His Spirit, and His heart for the world around us.  I tend to forget sometimes that we are supposed to depend on and help each other, and I go day to day making it on my own.  Isolation is one of Satan's more effective weapons.  It's my hope that we can come together here in this small way and support and help each other as we live the lives He has called us to.

Check in from time to time and share encouragement, insight, and hopefully some laughter, too.  Here's wishing you a great start to a great week!  Many blessings!

MY LIFE OR YOURS

How do I know, Lord?  What are You saying?  How can I hear You more clearly?  Why do I ask the same things over and over?

 

You hear My voice, and then go your way.  You know My presence, and then fail to stay and partake fully of My life.  I am not just the lyric of a song or a satisfying thought you enjoy in the quiet moment.  I AM the only source of life to your soul.  I AM the next breath you take.  I AM the manna which is your only nourishment.  To be distracted from Me is to fall back on your own short resources and find them completely depleted within minutes.  The next temptation is all that is necessary to throw you headlong into chaos and defeat. 

Without Me you can do nothing.  Sounds familiar, does it not???  You know these truths, yet you rush ahead into your day and interaction thinking that knowing is enough.  Knowing truth in itself only creates arrogance and judgment.  Living in truth, practicing truth is what brings humility, dependence, and healing to your heart.  Only then are you a vessel that I can use to work outwardly into the lives of others.  The road you and I take together may be filled with people and activity, or it may be quiet and solitary.  That choice is Mine.  Whether many or few are ever influenced or touched is My sovereign choice, so give that absolutely no thought.

Live your life with the desire to please Me alone, and I will make provision for anything beyond that.  Love those in your small circle with fervent sacrifice and unwavering loyalty that always points them to Me so that they will be able to show My love to the world they encounter.  Let Me be forever the spring of every peace, comfort, gladness, and hope that grows in your heart.  Be fully assured of My unwavering purpose to have a living, vibrant relationship with you.  Exchange your self-life and all it entails for My life which abides in you by My Holy Spirit.  My life is the only life worth living, and I AM fully available to you at all times.

Purpose, vision, and creativity are found in Me.  I authored all that exists, and I am eternally unchanging, sustaining and creating forever wonders beyond your discovery or imagination.  Allow Me time and space and My life will always create beauty in everything I touch.  That is especially true of My dwelling place, your heart and life.  New life, living waters, streams of refreshing, beauty, peace, order, creativity, hope, gladness, rest, light, grace, mercy, pardon, and every good and wonderful thing you can think of come from Me and can be poured out through you, changing both you and the world around you in the process.

How will you respond?  How will you choose to relate to those around you and the world you inhabit?  Will you do your best, or will you let Me do My best?  I can do no less.

Acts 17:28a; John 15:4-6; 1 Corinthians 8:1-2; 1 Peter 1:22-23;

1 Corinthians 4:5-10; Hebrews 6:10-12; 2 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 4:14-16;

Psalm 27:4; James 1:16-27

Little Things

I've been thinking a lot about obedience, Lord. It's the little things that You bring to my attention. I mean LITTLE things. Things that I can't begin to imagine make a difference, and yet You point them out to me and ask, "What are you going to do about that?" The only answer I can give You is that I will obey, but what troubles me is how much am I missing? I get so usesd to living my life and thinking my thoughts that I wonder if I'm listening to Your voice. How many little tings am I missing? I don't want to miss any, but I can be so blind and deaf that I probably run right over You, Holy Spirit, as you speak softly to my heart. Open my ears, clear my vision, make my heart tender to Your EVERY word.



I am so glad you heard Me. And I am so glad you obeyed. You are feeling the effects of obedience. It brings the blessings of tenderness and awareness to another level. You long more for intimacy and nearness, and you realize how very much I care about the way you live. You are excited to know that I will speak to you, and you can know what I am directing you to do. Hearing My voice often requires obedience in some very small thing. When I lay before you the choice to obey or to please yourself, there is much more at stake than the immediate options before you. If you choose to please yourself (or be true to yourself, as you might describe it), you diminish your ability to hear My voice. You have quenched Me, the Holy Spirit. The more you persist in this path, the fainter My voice will seem and the less you will sense My presence, power, and peace. This is all by design. Feeling far from Me is intended to bring you running to find where you have gone wrong. When you honestly seek Me I may again put a choice before you. On and on it goes.

The cycle breaks, however, when you recognize My voice and choose to obey. Then you hear Me more clearly and know My presence better as a real, active force within you. I do care about the many LITTLE things that you face every day, and if you will listen and obey moment by moment My voice will be clearer and stronger. Our intimacy will deepen, and your prayers will have more power because they will be according to My will for you and the world around you.

If you are walking in obedience you do not need to fear that you will not hear My heart. I will make My ways known to you and direct your path. You may not see far ahead, but you will have light step by step with your hand in Mine. Do not look for the bigger arena to practice obedience. Listen for My quiet voice in the moment where you stand and obey THAT. I will determine the impact and scope of your life as you stay quietly and firmly near My heart and walk with Me. It will be a life far beyond all that you can think or dream because it will be My life in you.

Psalm 119:1-3; 1 Peter 1:22; Ephesians 4:25-32; Jeremiah 29:13; Romans 6:12-13;
John 14:21, 23-26; John 15:7-11

We had a very nice Easter weekend with our family here on Saturday. We colored eggs, cooked food, hunted for eggs, and just enjoyed each other. I hope yours was wonderful, also. We've had cooler weather this last week, but some much needed rain and still very nice. We planted a lilac bush tonight and put out a pot of flowers by the front door. We have some smaller pots to fill another day. Thought for the day Spring. It brings new life, new growth, the miracle of resurrection recreated each year before our eyes. My heart is stirred fresh to seek the Lord in a way that allows Him to do new things in me. I feel the longing; I bring it to Him; I want Him to have His way. I have felt this before, but I lack direction. I don't seem to come away with a plan. Perhaps that is because plan is not what Jesus is after; He wants relationship. With me. I need Him. Fresh. New. Resurrection. What will it lead to? I have no idea, but it will be awesome. Give Him full access and let Him lead the way knowing that He does all things well. He will fulfill His purpose for my good and His glory. Thank You, Jesus!!!

Communion and Grace

We're getting new carpet tomorrow! When we started the building project a year and a half ago, Jon told me when we were done we could get new carpet OR wait till Logan died. Since both have happened, it's now time. We will finish clearing the room today, and can't help thinking of Logan...what a great dog she was!! Lots of great memories.
We took communion at church this morning and while we were encouraged to be completely silent and reflective, which is fine, I kept thinking of His words "do this in remembrance of Me". You know when we gather for a funeral or visitation, there is a lot of remembering going on. What would it be like to remember Jesus after He was "gone" with others who knew Him firsthand? Can you imagine the stories? The joy He brought? The laughter of shared friendships? The overwhelming desire to love and treasure each other the way He had loved and treasured them? We need fresh eyes to see Him present and alive and the source of all.

Thought for the day

My attention has been arrested lately by God's answer when Moses asked, "Who shall I say has sent me?" God answers, "Say, 'I Am has sent me. I Am is His name.'" What a powerful name! He is eternal, forever past, forever future, all-powerful, all-knowing, creator of heavens and earth and life. He holds all of creation and time in His hand, yet when asked His name, He says simply, "I Am". Right here. Right now. In this moment and in this place. In the realization of every need, every joy, every heartache, every pain, every tear, every gift...."I Am". How can we feel alone? How can we feel abandoned? How can He not be everything we could ever need? It's been a kind of adventure to just pick an ordinary moment, stop, and realize "I Am" really is present. It is amazing. All is wonder. All is grace.

What Was I Thinking

How long have I been blind? How could I not see this sooner? I've wasted years thinking that I need to find what You want me to do and be...the bigger plan for my life. I'm finding that You've been doing Your work all along without my awareness, and, unfortunately, without my enjoyment.

It is good to have you here. I have always been working in your life, bringing you to the life I have for you. Now it is time that you know it and cooperate with Me. Your life is no longer yours. It has belonged to Me for quite some time now, and that is why there are things that seem to go against your grain. You have failed to apply the truth that you have been crucified with Me and your life is no longer your own. You no longer have a right to your own preferences, plans, or personality. Your place is to be an empty vessel for Me to form, fill, and flow through.
Every moment comes to you from Me and is a gift, a grace of My love. Open your eyes to see the gift and your hands to receive the life and grace moment by moment. It is when you enter the moment, see My hand, receive My gift with thanksgiving and the miracle of My life in yours becomes a reality that bears fruit and results in joy. Learn to let everything I bring into your daily grind be an opportunity to see Me, thank Me, and commune with Me. Trust that each moment is the best of My sovereign plan and purpose for your life and My glory. Trust. Me.
Let go of your grip. I hold it all in My hand. Everything is grace and life as you receive it from Me. Let Me fill your life with Mine and just give thanks and rejoice. When things are hard, hold My hand, feel the nail prints, and see your name inscribed on My palm. Enter My rest and trust My love.

This Book, That Book

Hmmm. I've been rolling this around for a while now. Let's see if I can put it into words. If you know me well, you know that I love to read. And that I love to read books that challenge me, stretch me, lead me to God, and make me think.
What I've been thinking lately is that pursuing that sort of reading is a two-edged sword. I have been greatly encouraged and helped by SO many wonderful authors and books, but something is becoming more clear to me. God speaks to different people along different lines. If you are William Wilberforce or Abraham Lincoln the highest expression of your faith is to abolish slavery. A Dawson Trotman finds memorizing Scripture to be the bedrock of sustaining a walk with God. Mother Teresa finds God closest in giving herself away to the neediest she can find. The faith of Smith Wigglesworth finds expression in being an instrument of healing, while Joni Eareckson Tada extols the value of suffering with joy. Andrew Murray's works are often based on the truth of living in union with Christ. Ann Voskamp writes that giving thanks is the secret that undergirds all prayer and joy in this life. Hannah Whitall Smith sums up the happy Christian life in two words, surrender and trust. There are others whose entire focus is on worship and music as the gateway to His presence. Some minister to many through their powerful call to serious discipleship, while others use humor to show the face of God. E.M. Bounds brings all of life under the canopy of prayer at all times for all people. John Eldredge tells us to follow our heart in order to find our life, while others tell us we must lay our own plans and agendas aside in order to follow and obey God. Evangelism, tithing, fasting, church participation, and the list of topics and seeming contradictions goes on and on.
The truth is none of them are wrong, and each view has its followers. God has wired us each differently, making us each a unique individual. He, alone, knows our heart and how to reach it. He has made us each in His image, but how large and multi-faceted is His image? We will never know Him from every side, and He always has more of Himself to share with us. So, while reading all these things may be helpful and eye-opening, it can also pull us off track.
I am more convinced than ever that what is best is to focus simply on the Word of God and on Him, Himself. Spending time in His Word and in prayer with Him will open the "secret" that our own heart needs to see to fulfill His purpose in our lives. We may think that what we find is the key for everyone, but it probably isn't. It may well be helpful to some, but not one of us can stand in the place of God in someone else's life and tell them "here's what you need to do". That's His job, and if we will take time with Him He will be faithful to do it.
Because God is so multi-faceted it takes all of us to even begin to show the world Who He is. They will see in each of us only a small piece and part of the whole, but let us be true to Him in the way that He has led us. And let us allow each other to follow Christ as He has revealed Himself to us. There is much to learn while still living authentically as God's child and handiwork.

P.S. If I have given you a book to read, I still want you to read it. If it doesn't resonate with you, put it down till another time. God has much to show you.

Father, Caregiver, Babysitter

Babysitting!! So much fun! Greg and Megan were gone Friday morning till Saturday evening to Kansas City for her work, and we went to babysit with Oskar. It went really well. We all had a good time, and it was hard to tell who was more tired this morning, Oskar or us. He was happy to see his mommy and daddy last night, but had never fussed for us a bit. I just needed to get his food to him quickly enough when he got into his high chair :)

Just a couple of weeks ago we got to stay with Bria and Emmy while Kelli and Jon were in Iowa City for her surgery. Also a wonderful experience, though completely different. We got them to and from school, to a library activity, and Grandpa Jon and Daddy Jon took Bria to her very first art showing in a gallery in Davenport! How exciting for her!!!

It's soon time to have Tre and Tru overnight again...it's been a while. They were here last Saturday and just hung out, played computer, and played with the remote control truck while Jon, Tabbi, and I reorganized the basement. It's always fun to have them here!

It's hard to imagine sometimes that our "little girls" are now mommies, but it is SUCH a blessing to watch. We are so thankful to be a part of all three girls' lives. Megan just had a birthday and we have several others coming soon, so we're hoping to get everyone together for a meal maybe in Des Moines....still in the works.

Thought for the day

God is my Father (Caregiver, Babysitter), and He is the best. Trust me, He has His hands full. What I am most keenly aware of is that His mercies are new every morning. I am awed by His grace, provision, protection, and presence in our lives. We could go day to day, week to week, year to year without realizing how He has had His hand in our lives. I never want to do that. I don't know that I ever go on even a short road trip without realizing and appreciating that I returned home safely and that it could have been very different. It's the same with the kids and with Jon at work. Every time they arrive safely I remember that God's hand was in it. It's not something I've trained myself to do, it is just there. I am so grateful. I want that to spread to every area of my life. I want to never take anything for granted, but receive EVERYTHING, moment by moment, from His hand of mercy and grace. You are my Father and the Caregiver in every aspect of my life, and I want to realize that more and more each day. Give me that kind of heart, Lord, in all things.

One Week To Go

Christmas is one week away. We are getting closer to being ready. Tabbi took over pretzel detail, and today I wrapped most of the gifts...waiting for one more mail delivery to finish up. I've gotten the peanut blossoms and cinnamon rolls done, so most of everything else will have to wait.

It's been a little tougher getting ready this year. We are still trying to recover our energy since Mom's funeral. The fatigue didn't hit me till about a week later, and now I'm starting to function better again. We've had a few other bumps in the road to deal with the last week. One night just as we were getting ready to go to bed we discovered the floor in the middle room of the basement was wet, and there was water coming in the window of the computer room, as well. Our new roof, the 45-year one, was leaking less than a year after being completed. We still don't know the measures taken solved the problem...we won't know till we have another rain or melting snow on the roof. Two nights later we found that our furnace had stopped working. Fortunately, that was fixed the next morning...needed a new ignitor. Tonight Jon's dad was taken to the ER with a TIA and severe bladder infection.

In better news, Oskar had tubes put in his ears on Tuesday and got along great. It seems he already feels and hears better. So thankful for that.


Thought for the day

Life is fragile. We've become keenly aware how quickly and drastically life can change. We value those we love highly, and want them each to know it. We want to never miss an opportunity to tell them and show them that we love them. At the same time, we place them in God's hands for His purposes and will to be worked out in them for their good and His glory. Jesus, we trust You and love you above all.

My Mom

My mom passed into her next life almost two weeks ago on Monday, December 5. Her condition changed very quickly and she mercifully went home in just a few days. We were each able to say goodbye in our own ways, and it is a blessing to know that she is with Dad and Jesus. If they celebrate Christmas there, that would be the place to be!!
So Merry Christmas, Dad and Mom, we love you!

Getting Ready

I've been getting ready for Thanksgiving. We won't be having it until next Saturday so I will be able to get lots of the food ready on Thursday. I've done the major cleaning, baked rolls, baked cinnamon rolls, and gotten the bulk of the groceries. I'm still debating whether to use the china or the Chinet I bought. The jury is still out. My back is holding up well so far so I'm hoping for a good run. Tonight there was a potluck at church for Thanksgiving and that was fun. Worked in the kitchen and brought home a little extra pie.
Tomorrow night we are going to Bible study at Mike and Colleen's house. They are studying books by Andrew Murray!!! YAY!!! I'm so excited to maybe have a group to be part of again.

Keep Asking

Harvest is basically over here. We're still getting some corn in day by day, but not so fast and furious. Being gone on Friday put me behind and hoping to get caught up by tomorrow. Today Harlan played Decorah at the dome in football semifinals and got beat 35-14. That also meant there weren't many people at work today, so it was a little crazy.

Thought for the day

So how do we navigate the line between accepting whatever comes as God's will from God's hand and trusting God for healing? I asked Doc and Nancy this question yesterday and they gave wonderful insight with an emphasis on reality. People tend to want instant healing, and it is usually a process. They suggested I keep on asking and asking until I get an answer one way or another about my back. Doc said, "Make God tell you no." In the meantime, get closer, listen harder, trust more.

Redneck Shopping

The Honda needed a visit to the shop for a recall issue, so we drove to Omaha today with both vehicles. After dropping off the van we did some shopping. I found a memory box for my mom's baby dress that I want to display. We met Doc and Nancy at Village Inn for lunch and had a wonderful visit. Love those two to pieces!!
After that our shopping took a redneck turn and I realized after getting home that we spent the bigger portion of our money today on a big flat screen for guy TV and ammo. And we called it Christmas. Pretty scary, I know!!

Thought for the day

It was such a blessing to be with Murdoch's today. I wish I could put it all in a bottle and get it out to replay over and over. They are a wealth of wisdom, insight, and encouragement. It would be amazing to someday be that kind of influence and encouragement to other people. A couple of gems to remember..."I have put you in a dry place, but I will nourish you from within." "Make God tell you no."

Jon Turns....

In other birthday news....today is Jon's! He was born in 52...you do the math. He is the best and I'm SO lucky to be married to him!!!

Oskar Turns One!!!!

We had a wonderful weekend! Oskar turned one on Sunday, and we went to his house to celebrate! On Friday night Rich and Julie came to our house and stayed the weekend. They had to go to a wedding in Omaha on Saturday, but we had a great visit with them. They drove with us to Des Moines on their way home and stopped in to crash the party and see all our girls. They couldn't stay long, but it was a special treat.

I'm very aware today how blessed we all were through the weekend having safe travel. There was a fatal accident just south of town today...3 people killed. I am just so grateful... Praying for the families...

The Master's Indwelling

Well, here I am again. It's been a really busy week. I've been helping Tabbi with some craft projects. She's got some really great stuff...it will all be a big hit!

I'll be busy the next couple of nights getting house ready for some company. Rich and Julie will be arriving Friday night and will be here till Sunday morning with some time out for a wedding on Saturday. We are so excited to have them here!!

Thought for the day

I finished "The Master's Indwelling" by Andrew Murray last week and decided to reread it immediately, so I'm a couple of chapters in. So much truth and clarity...makes it seem crazy that we allow the distractions we do that pull us down to a lower level of living. I'm really wanting to do this better than I ever have, yet the key to doing that is becoming less and less and abiding in the death of Christ.