Yesterday a young woman in our church shared some of her upcoming plans with the congregation. She's a beautiful and gifted young lady who has chosen to serve God above all else. She's already spent a great deal of time on the mission field and now believes God is moving her to a new location overseas. This new place will not be filled with the comforts we are accustomed to.
As she shared her heart and what God is doing in her life and around the world I felt tears begin to build. I'm in awe of her, and I'm so proud to be part of the Christian family. We are imperfect, but through the years I've witnessed a great deal of love, faith, and generosity.
As many other Christians have done, this gal is giving up a great deal -- a comfortable home here in the states, family and friends, security and safety and so much that we take for granted. She's doing it out of love for the Lord and for the people in this world who do not know him.
As I listened, personal conviction grew. I too serve God, but sometimes my desires have little to do with him or other people, but rather they are about me. My focus becomes distorted by desires for worldly things--money, possessions, time.
I have no right to complain. I serve right here in my home country, and I live in a cozy, familiar house and sit in a comfy chair where I write books and blogs, and notes to friends. I get to work on Bible studies, speeches and workshops. I love all these things and yet, there are days when I detest the duties given to me. Some days it feels too difficult.
Do you ever feel this way? It's easy to get off track, to forget to be grateful, to forget that our gifts are meant for service and that being called to serve by the creator of the universe is a privilege.
The most beautiful moments in my life are the ones when I've made a positive difference in someone else's life and in the world. We can't force good and lasting things happen. God does that. We must simply keep our eyes on Christ and off of ourselves. God will take care of the rest.
Life can't be about me. If it is, then it's not about him.
Let's make it about him.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie Leon
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Friday, November 06, 2009
Tips For Triumphant Living -- Honor God's Creation
When I gaze at a mountain range in the distance I see God. I see Him in the mirrored reflection of a quiet lake. And I am awed by Him when I stand on a sandy ocean beach and gaze at waves marching toward shore. I love what He has made, for it offers me a glimpse at His greatness.
However, when I look in the mirror I often forget that the person staring back at me is also part of God's creation. More times than I'd like to admit, I undervalue this piece of his design.
We can't deny the value of God's creation nor His love for us. Psalm 139:13-17 clearly states our worth. It says, "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered."
I love these verses! They remind me that God tenderly and thoughtfully created me. When I read them I know that I'm precious to Him. I can feel my Father's arms around me.
There is nothing that compares to the love of our heavenly Father. Even our love for our own children is a weak comparison. I love my parents and I'm grateful for all they've done for me. I admire them and want them to be proud of me. I wouldn't even consider dishonoring them. Why then, would I dishonor God?
It's not something I do on purpose, but every time I belittle myself I dishonor Him. I am--we are--His. We were created for His pleasure. If we appreciate our Father and all He's done for us, why don't we take better care of ourselves?
I haven't done such a great job. Self care is not one of my strengths, but is more often a source of personal sin. Physically I'm out of shape and over weight. I have no excuse. Plus I'm terrible at guarding my time. I say yes when I ought to say no, which robs me of the rest I need, and steals time I could spend with my husband and family and friends. Ultimately I have little or no time to re-energize.
In our super charged world it's difficult to set boundaries that create personal health and well-being. If we want to change course where do we begin?
I believe we start with God. Time with our Lord offers strength and direction. It helps if we have a friend to pray with us and who will hold us accountable to our goals.
Secondly, with God's help, we need to pinpoint the problem. Is there something we detest about ourselves? We believe in forgiving others; we need to forgive ourselves as well. Do we lack energy? If so, why? Is the drain physical, emotional, or spiritual? Or is it a combination of all three?
After we've sought out God, friends, even our doctor and have taken an honest look at ourselves, the next step is to face what we've found. Be honest and change what needs changing. If we don't we'll continue to get what we've always gotten.
There are some things to consider. Am I holding a grudge against myself? Do I need more sleep? Less food? Healthier food? Do I spend enough time in God's Word? Do I love others? Do I serve too much or too little? Do I allow the world's worries to steal my joy?
Each of our circumstances are unique. I cannot solve the mystery of your lack of self respect. God can.
If we seek the truth, He will reveal it.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
However, when I look in the mirror I often forget that the person staring back at me is also part of God's creation. More times than I'd like to admit, I undervalue this piece of his design.
We can't deny the value of God's creation nor His love for us. Psalm 139:13-17 clearly states our worth. It says, "You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous--how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered."
I love these verses! They remind me that God tenderly and thoughtfully created me. When I read them I know that I'm precious to Him. I can feel my Father's arms around me.
There is nothing that compares to the love of our heavenly Father. Even our love for our own children is a weak comparison. I love my parents and I'm grateful for all they've done for me. I admire them and want them to be proud of me. I wouldn't even consider dishonoring them. Why then, would I dishonor God?
It's not something I do on purpose, but every time I belittle myself I dishonor Him. I am--we are--His. We were created for His pleasure. If we appreciate our Father and all He's done for us, why don't we take better care of ourselves?
I haven't done such a great job. Self care is not one of my strengths, but is more often a source of personal sin. Physically I'm out of shape and over weight. I have no excuse. Plus I'm terrible at guarding my time. I say yes when I ought to say no, which robs me of the rest I need, and steals time I could spend with my husband and family and friends. Ultimately I have little or no time to re-energize.
In our super charged world it's difficult to set boundaries that create personal health and well-being. If we want to change course where do we begin?
I believe we start with God. Time with our Lord offers strength and direction. It helps if we have a friend to pray with us and who will hold us accountable to our goals.
Secondly, with God's help, we need to pinpoint the problem. Is there something we detest about ourselves? We believe in forgiving others; we need to forgive ourselves as well. Do we lack energy? If so, why? Is the drain physical, emotional, or spiritual? Or is it a combination of all three?
After we've sought out God, friends, even our doctor and have taken an honest look at ourselves, the next step is to face what we've found. Be honest and change what needs changing. If we don't we'll continue to get what we've always gotten.
There are some things to consider. Am I holding a grudge against myself? Do I need more sleep? Less food? Healthier food? Do I spend enough time in God's Word? Do I love others? Do I serve too much or too little? Do I allow the world's worries to steal my joy?
Each of our circumstances are unique. I cannot solve the mystery of your lack of self respect. God can.
If we seek the truth, He will reveal it.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Quiet Moments With God -- Our Life Matters
This morning while sitting in church something my pastor said, rang out at me. He quoted a statement from J. Stafford Wright. "Man knows enough to be held responsible for whatever he does or fails to do."
We have no excuses. We know what we ought to do. There is a voice inside that speaks to us, if only we'll listen.
Our life matters, and every day is filled with opportunities. The whole idea of living a life of significance thrills me right down to my toes. We may ask, "What am I supposed to do?" Micah 6:8 gives a straight forward answer. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Each day we face circumstances that force us to ask what should I do? God says demonstrate justice, mercy and humility. If we consistently exhibit these qualities we'll have a positive impact on those around us. And not only others, but ourselves as well.
My pastor said something else, about the Lord, that set me on fire. "He wants our life to adorn His grace." I thought, Wow! That's beautiful! That's powerful! I want that!
Even though I fall far short of perfection I know if I keep my eyes on the Lord I WILL look more and more like Him and my life will adorn His grace. Amazing! And it can happen only because God loves His children and works in their hearts.
Shall we look into His face and know Him? Only then shall we be transformed.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
We have no excuses. We know what we ought to do. There is a voice inside that speaks to us, if only we'll listen.
Our life matters, and every day is filled with opportunities. The whole idea of living a life of significance thrills me right down to my toes. We may ask, "What am I supposed to do?" Micah 6:8 gives a straight forward answer. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Each day we face circumstances that force us to ask what should I do? God says demonstrate justice, mercy and humility. If we consistently exhibit these qualities we'll have a positive impact on those around us. And not only others, but ourselves as well.
My pastor said something else, about the Lord, that set me on fire. "He wants our life to adorn His grace." I thought, Wow! That's beautiful! That's powerful! I want that!
Even though I fall far short of perfection I know if I keep my eyes on the Lord I WILL look more and more like Him and my life will adorn His grace. Amazing! And it can happen only because God loves His children and works in their hearts.
Shall we look into His face and know Him? Only then shall we be transformed.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tips For Triumphant Living -- Make Time For Friends
Every Wednesday evening I meet with a group of women for Bible Study. I love our time together. We pray, cheer each other on, share hopes and sorrows and just plain love each other. Oh yeah, and we study the Bible. That's always a good thing to do with friends.
Throughout the years, I've been part of many different groups. I love what happens in small groups. There's always a transformation. When we first meet we're not sure of one another and we wonder what's okay to say and what's not. The next time we get together we're a little more comfortable. Bit by bit, we learn to trust and we grow more confident. Finally bonds form and friendships develop and deepen. Some last a lifetime.
We all come from different backgrounds and bring our own unique personalities and perspectives and yet we can still be comrades. Relationships offer emotional and spiritual health. God tells us we need each other. He designed us to be social beings. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." When adversity hits it's always helpful to have a brother who loves us and can share the burden.
Today, scientific studies tell us that God has it right. People who spend time with people they love live longer healthier lives.
As we move through this world challenges undoubtedly will confront us. When those times come having a friend to stand with us makes the standing more bearable. And do you remember the last time you received joyful news? What did you want to do first? Yes--tell someone! Good news is so much better when we can share it.
I encourage you to open the doors of your life and make time for friends. Our days will be richer.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
Throughout the years, I've been part of many different groups. I love what happens in small groups. There's always a transformation. When we first meet we're not sure of one another and we wonder what's okay to say and what's not. The next time we get together we're a little more comfortable. Bit by bit, we learn to trust and we grow more confident. Finally bonds form and friendships develop and deepen. Some last a lifetime.
We all come from different backgrounds and bring our own unique personalities and perspectives and yet we can still be comrades. Relationships offer emotional and spiritual health. God tells us we need each other. He designed us to be social beings. Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." When adversity hits it's always helpful to have a brother who loves us and can share the burden.
Today, scientific studies tell us that God has it right. People who spend time with people they love live longer healthier lives.
As we move through this world challenges undoubtedly will confront us. When those times come having a friend to stand with us makes the standing more bearable. And do you remember the last time you received joyful news? What did you want to do first? Yes--tell someone! Good news is so much better when we can share it.
I encourage you to open the doors of your life and make time for friends. Our days will be richer.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
Monday, October 26, 2009
Quiet Moments With God -- Wait for the Command
Many years ago, a Christian friend told me, "Bonnie, there are a lot of needs, but that doesn't mean you're supposed to fulfill them all." His wise words have always stuck with me. Yet I still struggle. I often say yes when I should say no.
This morning while reading from "My Utmost For His Highest" Oswald Chambers words struck a strong chord in me. He said, "The great controlling factor is not the needs of people, but the command of Jesus."
I thought about that for several minutes and realized that like so many others when I see a need I step in to help. What if the task isn't mine to do? Doing the work intended for someone else only makes me feel overwhelmed. Been there, done that.
I'm not saying if we walk by a person in need that we're supposed to just keep walking and ignore their plight. The story of the good Samaritan clearly tells us what we need to do. What I'm talking about are the many committees or organizations that call out for helpers or for me it may be the one more marketing idea that will boost sales of my latest book or I may hear from a budding author who needs just a little guidance . . . My list goes on.
There are a lot of needs in this world, but before we decide we're supposed to fill the ones we happen upon we need to stop and think about whether God asked us to step in. Perhaps it is meant for someone else. When we take on a responsibility intended for another we're robbing that person of a blessing.
There are consequences for doing too much. It saps our strength, steals our health and usually means that what we are doing isn't being done very well.
Our solution is to listen to and obey God. If we can learn to walk in His will, rather than our own, life will be more productive and satisfying.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
This morning while reading from "My Utmost For His Highest" Oswald Chambers words struck a strong chord in me. He said, "The great controlling factor is not the needs of people, but the command of Jesus."
I thought about that for several minutes and realized that like so many others when I see a need I step in to help. What if the task isn't mine to do? Doing the work intended for someone else only makes me feel overwhelmed. Been there, done that.
I'm not saying if we walk by a person in need that we're supposed to just keep walking and ignore their plight. The story of the good Samaritan clearly tells us what we need to do. What I'm talking about are the many committees or organizations that call out for helpers or for me it may be the one more marketing idea that will boost sales of my latest book or I may hear from a budding author who needs just a little guidance . . . My list goes on.
There are a lot of needs in this world, but before we decide we're supposed to fill the ones we happen upon we need to stop and think about whether God asked us to step in. Perhaps it is meant for someone else. When we take on a responsibility intended for another we're robbing that person of a blessing.
There are consequences for doing too much. It saps our strength, steals our health and usually means that what we are doing isn't being done very well.
Our solution is to listen to and obey God. If we can learn to walk in His will, rather than our own, life will be more productive and satisfying.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Quiet Moments With God -- I Believe In Miracles
Friday my husband, Greg, turned sixty. We set off for Central Oregon to celebrate his birthday with our son, Paul. We had a great time--good conversation, good food and lots of laughs. Greg and Paul even managed to get in some golf.
As is often the case I spent time reflecting on life. And I realized that Greg and I met forty-one years ago. We were so young--just kids. It doesn't seem possible that through all the years, with their valleys and mountain tops, that we're still together. It hasn't been a bed of roses--unless of course you remember that there are a lot of thorns among the shrubbery. :-)
Greg and I met during the Vietnam War. He was in the navy and only a few months after our first meeting he set off for a ten and half month West-Pac cruise. We hadn't known one another long, but we were in love and already engaged to be married. While Greg was over seas I planned our wedding.
A month after he returned we were wed. It was a nice wedding with the usual stuff--a white gown and a tux, the well rehearsed vows, a sacred church filled with friends and family. However, something was missing, or I should say someone. Sadly, neither Greg nor I knew who it was. We'd left out the most important guest--Jesus Christ. We didn't know Him and so we began our journey together as husband and wife without Him.
It wasn't surprising that our first four years together were tumultuous and unhappy. The love we felt was buried by hurt, anger and bitterness . . . and in our fourth year we separated. There was so much sorrow between us that it would have been impossible to even hope for reconciliation.
God had other plans.
In a miraculous way, he drew us both to Himself and restored our love for one another. We became new, and the ugliness that resided in our hearts was replaced with love, mercy and forgiveness. We've been together ever since.
A lot of miracles happened back then, none of which we deserved. What is especially astounding to me is that we did nothing to make any of it happen. It was simply God in us, working out His power and grace. God stripped away the uglies and we loved each other.
Here we are after all these years, celebrating a sixtieth birthday. We still love each other, admire one another and pray we have a lot more years to spend together.
It's a miracle.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
As is often the case I spent time reflecting on life. And I realized that Greg and I met forty-one years ago. We were so young--just kids. It doesn't seem possible that through all the years, with their valleys and mountain tops, that we're still together. It hasn't been a bed of roses--unless of course you remember that there are a lot of thorns among the shrubbery. :-)
Greg and I met during the Vietnam War. He was in the navy and only a few months after our first meeting he set off for a ten and half month West-Pac cruise. We hadn't known one another long, but we were in love and already engaged to be married. While Greg was over seas I planned our wedding.
A month after he returned we were wed. It was a nice wedding with the usual stuff--a white gown and a tux, the well rehearsed vows, a sacred church filled with friends and family. However, something was missing, or I should say someone. Sadly, neither Greg nor I knew who it was. We'd left out the most important guest--Jesus Christ. We didn't know Him and so we began our journey together as husband and wife without Him.
It wasn't surprising that our first four years together were tumultuous and unhappy. The love we felt was buried by hurt, anger and bitterness . . . and in our fourth year we separated. There was so much sorrow between us that it would have been impossible to even hope for reconciliation.
God had other plans.
In a miraculous way, he drew us both to Himself and restored our love for one another. We became new, and the ugliness that resided in our hearts was replaced with love, mercy and forgiveness. We've been together ever since.
A lot of miracles happened back then, none of which we deserved. What is especially astounding to me is that we did nothing to make any of it happen. It was simply God in us, working out His power and grace. God stripped away the uglies and we loved each other.
Here we are after all these years, celebrating a sixtieth birthday. We still love each other, admire one another and pray we have a lot more years to spend together.
It's a miracle.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
Friday, October 09, 2009
Quiet Moments With God -- But a Breath
In Psalm 39:4-5 David says, "Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered--how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath."
As I've grown older and watched with amazement how quickly time passes, I better understand the truth of David's words. And I realize more and more how much time I spend on wasteful thoughts and projects.
While I read these verses I was struck at the wonder that surrounds me and how little time I take to enjoy all God has given me. A flood of gratitude followed. God has blessed me with abundance, and I realize that if life is just a breath I'd best make good use of my time. I need to stop and look, to take pleasure in God's gifts. I need to take time to love others. I need to remember to work well.
If life is a breath, we don't have time for squabbling. There's no time to cling to bitterness, no time for malicious thinking. How much better to meditate upon Christ and His love and sacrifice. And how much more satisfying life is when we consider the beauty of creation and the gift of love from our family and friends and our Father above. I long for time to think about the wonder of life and of the life to come.
I feel compelled to encourage you on toward good works and Godly living. While we still have time, remember what really matters and embrace the goodness and beauty God has given.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
As I've grown older and watched with amazement how quickly time passes, I better understand the truth of David's words. And I realize more and more how much time I spend on wasteful thoughts and projects.
While I read these verses I was struck at the wonder that surrounds me and how little time I take to enjoy all God has given me. A flood of gratitude followed. God has blessed me with abundance, and I realize that if life is just a breath I'd best make good use of my time. I need to stop and look, to take pleasure in God's gifts. I need to take time to love others. I need to remember to work well.
If life is a breath, we don't have time for squabbling. There's no time to cling to bitterness, no time for malicious thinking. How much better to meditate upon Christ and His love and sacrifice. And how much more satisfying life is when we consider the beauty of creation and the gift of love from our family and friends and our Father above. I long for time to think about the wonder of life and of the life to come.
I feel compelled to encourage you on toward good works and Godly living. While we still have time, remember what really matters and embrace the goodness and beauty God has given.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
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