The Holy Huddle

 

I once heard Sunday church referred to as the "Holy Huddle". The pastor explained that Christian brothers and sisters get together on Sundays for the huddle. Just like in football, we go through the plan, get the instructions, maybe even slap a few butts (give lots of hugs), and then execute the plan by going out into the world to share the hope and beauty of God's Word.

Hebrews 10:25 says this. "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 

The Apostle Paul would not have mentioned our gathering together if it wasn't important. 

I love Sunday Church - meeting with God's people, my Christian family. We get together and share the news of the week, the struggles and triumphs. We share in worship and prayer. We get quiet and attentive and soak in God's Word as it is taught by dedicated leaders. In my little country church, that is usually our much-loved pastor. It's our Holy Huddle.

But church is more than just a Sunday meeting.  Sadly, there are many who believe it to be something menacing, to be feared and avoided. Tragically that is true in some circumstances. But mostly I believe the enemy satan is trying to persuade people to stay away from what will make their life better, richer.

I've heard many negative comments about the church, especially during the last couple of years. Christians have long been targets of the world, but it seems more so in these difficult days.

There was a post on FaceBook by a person who had tried going to church, only to find people who cared more about looking holy rather than being holy. Some parishioners were more interested in what someone else was wearing rather than what the pastor was saying. And those visitors saw the people in that church as fake Christians. We can't know a person's heart, only God sees that, but let's be real ... There is a lot of hypocrisy in our world and that includes the church.

I have been blessed to experience the best from my Christian brothers and sisters. There have been dark times in my life that I'm not sure how I would have made it through without them at my side. I am forever grateful for my Christian family.

The church isn't perfect. It's made up of people from all kinds of backgrounds, but one thing we all have in common is we were lost before we were found.

From time-to-time, I've seen poor behavior from fellow Christians, but honestly not very often. My personal experience has been that of sharing life with good, honest, caring people. People who love me just as I am and who will come alongside and help when I am in need. They work hard and have a heart to be all they can for Christ. They understand how great a price was paid for them.

Church, the family of God, is like a sanctuary for me. I feel safe and protected among those who share my faith. I can be myself and enjoy being part of the family. We look out for each other.

If you don't have a church family, please get one. It might take a while to find a good fit, but there is a family waiting. God picked them out just for you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon

Taking Risks

In my upcoming book, One Hundred Valleys, my heroine has never been a risk-taker, but when she is hit by an unexpected loss and the discovery of a father she didn't know existed, she takes a huge risk, one that puts her life in jeopardy.

I've always wanted to be the type of person who is not afraid to take risks. Through the years I've taken many, but sometimes it feels like I'm holding back. Maybe that's not a bad a thing. I want to be brave but I don't want to be foolish.

In recent months I've had a couple of situations that required me to take a risk. One had a good result and the other not so good. 

In January my husband and I set out for a winter vacation in Tucson, Arizona. Our son and his family traveled from France to meet us there. It was a glorious vacation. The Arizona weather was gorgeous, and the desert vistas were stunning.

We all stayed in a very nice and spacious condo. While we were there we sampled local cuisine, explored the natural beauty of the region and wandered through state parks. The time with our son and his family was special and fun. So good in fact, that we are already planning another vacation together.

So, what was the risk you might wonder. Traveling is something I love to do, but it is always a risk because of my physical disabilities and chronic pain. I never know how bad it might get. Travel is hard on me. During our vacation to Arizona my pain did make the trip more challenging, but it didn't ruin my good time. I'm so thankful I went.

More recently, just a week ago. I decided that attending a writers conference was worth the risk. I love getting together with other writers. To make it to the conference meant a 2 1/2 hour drive each way. Already hurting from the journey, the seating at the conference turned out to be the undoing of my day. Sadly, I had to leave early and headed home to the comfort of my bed and heating pad. No amount of pain medication would have gotten me through the day.

I was hugely disappointed and felt in some way that I had failed. Often in these situations the enemy swoops in with discouragement and accusation. I moped around for a day and a half, feeling as if I'd never get to take part in activities that I love.

That was a lie! And I'm not going to listen to it.

I can look at this experience as a glass half full or half empty. 

I choose half full. I did get to see many of my writing friends. I received and gave lots of hugs, and managed to fit in a few friendly conversations. I also got to listen to excellent presentations by speaker and writer Sarah Sundin. 

Some of you will likely have difficulty relating to the type of risks I face. That's okay. I want you to think about some things you see as risks in your life. How do you want to face them?

As for me - I am not going to give up. I will keep pushing forward. I will continue to take risks. 

How about you?

It's a beautiful thing to know that God will never abandon us. He will walk the journey of life with us. And when we face a scary challenge he will give us courage.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Riding The Tide

Do you ever feel like you can't do one more thing? That life is just too much? It's too hard? You're too busy? You're overwhelmed? You truly can't do one more thing? 

Yeah, me too.  At least some of the time.

I've been thinking on this a lot lately, mostly how to make a positive change. Last Sunday's sermon was helpful.

The pastor talked about family and how God designed us to work together. A church can't function if the pastor is the one who does everything. We need to live like family. After all, God created families and they are good. More about that in a moment.

Writing books is a solitary endeavor, mostly. I'd like to share a little about what being a novelist means in today's publishing world.

Did you know that novelists used to "just" write? (Well mostly)

I think I can almost remember this. 

Alas, so much has changed.









Writers are now advertising experts, bloggers, publishers, researchers, secretaries, bookkeepers ... and they are also mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, caretakers. They work other jobs and serve in their churches. They have family's that need them and long to-do lists that have nothing to do with writing. 

Yet, we are supposed to have minds that can think creatively (after fulfilling all the other tasks in our lives) and if we hope to create a novel we need the energy to labor through the hours that make up the months required to get to the place where we write The End.

I'm pretty darn sure God called me to write and I'm also pretty sure he didn't expect me to kill myself doing it. 

I long to write great novels, to lose myself in unique and interesting tales and to get caught up in the lives of characters that I care about. But that doesn't always happen. The blaring horn of the world distracts me.

The difficulty is that the distractions matter too. The diversions, mysteries, heartache, and fun is part of what life is all about. If we skip those we really aren't living. We need time of quiet to listen to the hush of the forest or the humming noise of the city, time with friends and family, time to take in the moments with a child that will never come again - laughter and tears - we need to live it all.

I marvel at those who seem to live quietly in the ebb and flow of life. They don't fight the tide, but allow it to carry them out to sea and then rest when washed into a quiet pool. I long to find my way to such a place. And I am convinced that I will discover it in the quiet presence of the Lord. Or in the friend who comes alongside to help. And in the confidence to just let something go - to learn not to strive so hard.

And what about all the writerly things I need to do? I'm still sorting that out. I can't do it all and instinctively know that I should focus on what comes naturally and do the things I enjoy and to write about what I am passionate about. If I do that the tasks are not a chore but an opportunity to create and creating fulfills and sustains those who love it.  

And what about family? We were created to love and help one another, to carry burdens and to pray for each other. Writers, need to encourage and uplift other writers. And readers you are part of the family too. Writers need to hear from you, words of encouragement can brighten a dark day. And if you find a book you love help an overworked writer by telling others about their work.

Above all, we need to be content and grateful that we get to share this planet in whatever place the Lord has planted us. He knows our hearts like no other ... and in this knowledge we can rest in his great ocean of love.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Love Keeps Growing

Today I had the heart wrenching task of telling my ninety year old mother that her baby brother had died. Even at ninety saying farewell to a sibling is excruciating. It broke my heart to see her grief.

This is a photo of Mom and Donny taken many 

years ago on Alexander Creek, Alaska, where the family has a homestead.

Mom talked about the early days and how much she loves her six brothers and one sister. She and one brother, Harold, are the only two left now. They had a grand childhood in Alaska. They were poor and native and life wasn't easy but they had love and each other and, in the end, that's all that matters.

God sure is smart. When he created mankind he also created families. He knew we needed each other. Families are like the legs of a chair - it can't stand without them. 

I grew up with two older brothers and two younger sisters. There are four of us still on this planet. Our youngest sister went to heaven many years ago. I still miss her. 

Here we are when I was only ten. 

The bottom line is we have a history together and when the chips are down we can count on each other. I have no doubt that they would be here for me if I needed them. I'm thankful for the love we share. 

The time will come when we will have to say farewell, one by one. It's not going to be easy, but the Lord gave us a beautiful gift - heaven. When we say good-bye it is only for a while because one day we will be reunited.

I envision our mother (unless she outlives us) gathering all of us up, like a mother hen does her chicks. And in that place there will be no more tears, only joy and lots of love.

Do you have a brother or sister or mom or dad or special aunt or uncle or cousin or best friend that you'd like to tell how much they mean to you? Well, this is the place. All those who leave a comment will be included in this week's drawing for a FREE book. I'll be giving away a copy of Where Eagles Soar. Make sure to include you email address so I can contact you. 

I haven't forgotten that we have a book winner from last week. The winner is Ann Ellison! Congratulations! 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

The Journey - Greatest Gift

Last night, my family celebrated my birthday two days early. The grandkids' schedules are full of activities so yesterday was the only day we could all get together without them missing practice or being forced to make a choice between me and the team. I love that my grandchildren are learning that making a commitment and sticking to it is important.

My husband and I, our children and grandchildren and my mother gathered at a local pizza place in town. We shared laughter, lots of food and I got to open gifts. My mother watched, smiling the whole time. Her face radiated joy. Soon her eyes filled with tears and she said, "What did I do to deserve such a wonderful family?"

I was a bit taken back. I was the recipient of my family's love and I hadn't given it all that much thought. But my mother didn't miss it. All she could see was the love and beauty of being part of a family who cares for one another. Everyone there had done something to contribute to the celebration. Even my mother handed out coins so her great-grandchildren could play games in the arcade and then she had me take her to watch the game playing. 

Mom is so right. We are blessed. 

My family is not perfect. We've made all kinds of mistakes in our lives and there will be lots more. But, we love each other. And I know that no matter what we face we'll do it together. Love isn't about perfection and when I think about my family I'm reminded of the book of I Corinthians, chapter thirteen - the love chapter.

Nothing is of any value without love. It's pretty clear to me that I possess everything in this world that really matters because I'm surrounded by people who know how to love one another. They even love me.

True riches are given by the Lord and the greatest gift is love.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

Thoughts For Today -- The Gift

My heart is full. The events from this past week still overwhelm my thoughts. I'm wondering how I will get any work done.

Monday my husband and I headed for Bend to join our son, Paul, and his wife, Brandi, for the birth of their first child. It was supposed to be a simple procedure with a blessed outcome. Hah! I have to laugh. I  still have so much to learn about God's ways.

It was not simple. But it was blessed.

That Monday morning, the induction was postponed from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. It was hard to wait, but Greg and I had a really nice day with Paul and Brandi. Finally, the hospital called. It was time. While Brandi got settled in, we chatted for a bit, then knowing it would be many hours until our grandson made an appearance, my husband and I returned to our hotel to wait.

By the  next morning little had changed and worry set in. I'm well known for my abilities to imagine worst case scenarios. A good quality when it comes to creating stories, but not so great in real life. It'something God and I are still working on.

While my son and daughter-in-law labored together, supporting and loving one another, I felt agitated and concerned and my poor husband got the brunt of my worry. Mostly he rose above it. Thank you, Greg.

The day wore on, long and difficult, followed by an even more arduous evening. Hour upon hour followed but little Cy refused to join the world and there seemed to be real cause for concern. In the wee  hours of the second morning Brandi started running a high temperature and it was decided a C-section was needed.

We were all disappointed that the culmination of thirty hours of labor and the birth were marred by surgery. But all that changed when Cy's first cries were heard. He was here! And none of the rest mattered. God's love, wrapped up in the beauty of a newborn, had arrived in its own time and own fashion.

I learned more about myself and the brittleness that sometimes invades me when I'm under pressure. I don't like what I see. Me and God have work to do, still, always. I also learned more about loving one another -- though my husband and I need to work on loving better, he was gallant and helpful and I was thankful that I could lean upon him. And we witnessed the beautiful love that exists between our son and his wife. I will  not forget it. They are an example to us.

And of course there is Cy--our new and precious grandson. He doesn't understand how lucky he is to be part of a family that knows how to love, but one day he will and it will make him stronger and better.

Though this experience had its rough places it was beautiful and is forever imprinted in my heart and mind. I will recall it and be reminded what love looks like and how precious life is and I will be uplifted.

Welcome, Cy.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Thoughts For Today -- Farewells & Other Stuff

Life can feel like a whirlwind sometimes. That's what it's like in our household right now. So much has happened in the past week and there's still lots to come.

I've had family here (Which means fun!) and there are more folks on their way. My mother had cataract surgery. Sorrowful news arrived in the mail. A friend received a diagnosis of cancer. There's another family wedding, And my grandson is supposed to arrive in four days!

I can hardly wait to meet my new grand-baby.  : )

With all that's been going on, I feel like I'm in the middle of a squall of swirling events and emotions. I'm a bit overwhelmed.

Plus right smack dab in the middle of all of this I had to say good-bye to my sister. She's heading back to Alaska and I'm hating that she has to leave. She used to live a mile from my home and I could see her whenever I wanted. I was so blessed back then and didn't even know it. Now, two visits a year is a good year.

I know she needs to go. She has a bunch of people in Alaska who are counting on her to be there. I understand that God has a plan for her life. And I know that it's not about me. But I still don't like it. And tonight I'm feeling kind of sad.

Thank goodness God doesn't waste anything. Nothing comes into our lives that He doesn't allow. And so I've decided to change my perspective and try to see things from His point of view.

• The only reason I have to say good-bye to my Sis is because she came for a visit in the first place. How awesome that she could be here. And I'm thrilled about the amazing life she has in Alaska. God's plans are so much greater than our own. Thank you Lord! 
• Sorrowful news can stagger us, but it draws family and friends closer. We lean on one another and on the Lord. We grow stronger. We have an awesome God!
• Mom's surgery was a success, restoring her sight--a priceless gift. What an amazing God we have!
• Weddings bind couples and families together. They are a new beginning, a new adventure. I am so thankful for the gift of marriage.
• And new life -- a miracle.  Amen!

Thanking God for all of His blessings.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Thoughts For Today -- A Mom Season

Life is made up of seasons. Some come upon us unexpectedly.

Last year, I was thrown into a season I had't counted on and was unprepared for -- A Mom Season.

I thought my life was busy, but that was before my eighty-seven-year-old mother became  ill and during that illness she was widowed. She moved to an assisted living center in a town close to my home. I have no siblings who live nearby so it's a me and Mom season.

There are doctor visits, ER visits, surgeries, bills to pay, hands-on care, shopping to do and a whole other list of to-do's for my mother that are part of my life now. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I can't find time for my job or my family or me. And there are days that, after leaving Mom, I cry all the way home because it hurts to watch her struggle through this difficult season in her life. And I know that one day I will drive home and it will be the last time. That makes me cry too. 

And so, I am reminded that this is only for a season. It is a time I will never be able to retrieve, which makes it precious.

This is a me and Mom Season. It's a time to love each other. A time to share memories. A time to make new ones. It's a time for story-telling, and a time to get to know one another better, and to gather with family to celebrate birthdays, holidays and other special occasions. 
. 

Mom and I have quiet conversations, lunches at the duck pond and drives along the river. We share favorite movies and talk about books and family. 

This is a blessed season.

I am grateful for these days. Without them, I would never have known my mother the way I do now.

She's lived here for a little more than a year. We recently celebrated her 88th birthday. I'm chronically trying to catch up on my email, find time to finish my next blog or work on my latest book project. I worry more and sometimes I don't sleep, but I am thankful. These days may be difficult, but they are sweet. I've been given the gift of knowing the depth of my mother's love. And I've discovered her courageous heart.

I've always loved my mother, but I didn't understand how grand a lady she truly is. Now I do.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- If No One Shows Up

We've all heard the question, "What would happen if there was a war and no one came?" That would likely be a good thing, but I got to thinking about the concept, only in the context of church. What if the doors of the churches were open and no one came? If statistics are accurate that's where we're heading. Attendance is down, the 20 and 30 something's are staying home. There's a spiritual war going on and we need to be ready to battle. But first we must be prepared.

I love church so showing up is usually easy for me. Christ told us to gather together. And when He speaks we need to listen. He means what He says. There are important reasons for us to attend church. Sadly many people choose not to go. Others show up, but they're not really there. They are simply filling space, doing what's expected. If we claim to be followers of Christ what does it say about us when we can't give our Lord a couple of hours once a week?

Let's be honest. Sometimes Sunday morning comes and we've got other things to do that don't include God. Maybe we've got a garden that needs our attention, or a fishing trip planned. Sometimes all I want to do is plunk down on the sofa, with a blanket wrapped around me, a cup of coffee in hand and a movie running on my television. Occasionally that's how I spend a Sunday morning.

I don't want to get legalistic about church attendance. Sometimes we miss church for good reason. And God doesn't stomp on us if we decide to go fishing on occasion or do some gardening or even watch a movie. But I think our Heavenly Father is grieved when His children refuse to make time for Him. They don't understand that He wants to meet with them. Getting together with God happens in all sorts of settings, and church is one of them.

When I choose to remain home wrapped in my blanket I miss out. I miss out on worship, on fellowship, and on the teaching of God's Word.

Corporate worship lifts my spirits and helps me see God. Sometimes when I'm surrounded by the voices of other believers I know my Lord is there.

My pastor works hard to prepare and share lessons from God's Word. It is spiritual nourishment. Without it we will starve. Starvation destroys lives. But when we know the treasures hidden within the heart of God life is so much sweeter. How amazing it is to know that He speaks directly to us through His Word. And though we do not see it, a spiritual battle is being waged. We cannot win that war without the armor of God. Only in His Word will you discover the armor you need to fight and win.

At church we spend time with our Christian family. Consider how we feel when long periods of time pass without seeing our husband or wife, our mother and father, our children, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles. Time spent with family refreshes our soul. Sunday means family time.

Gathering together is a gift. Be there.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Family

This morning, I woke to an empty house. It was just me and my dog, Bentley. It was too quiet, too empty and I felt lonely.

For nearly two weeks we've had a houseful of family. There were moms and dads, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and grandparents. They came from around the globe. We gathered to celebrate Christmas . . . together. We gabbed, laughed, cried, baked, played games, made snowmen and went sledding, and we remembered Christ. We even shared the flu.(that part could have been left out.) It was a time to build memories, and it ended with warm hearts and tearful farewells.

The last of my family left yesterday. Today I felt sad. I wish so badly that we lived close enough to see each other whenever we liked. It's a wonderful gift to be part of a family who loves one another, warts and all.

As I contemplate on time spent with loved ones I realize how limited my vision is. Family is more than those in my personal lineage. I have a huge family made up of Christian brothers and sisters. We're tied to one another by blood--the blood of Christ. And we have the most outstanding Father who takes good care of each one of us. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. Amazing!

Rather than feel sad, it is time to rejoice and to settle into the quiet presence of my Heavenly Father--to hear His heart and to feel His peace.

We're family. Let us be mindful of one another. Pray for each other. Clasp arms and rejoice as we dance in the glow of our Father's love.

When I woke this morning, feeling alone I was wrong. I'm never alone--I have all of you and my Father in heaven, who is always with me. I need only stop and listen and I will hear his voice and feel His presence.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Sisters

My sister, is visiting from Alaska. She moved away several months ago, and I’ve missed her terribly. It’s wonderful to have her here. However, there just doesn’t seem to be enough time for chatting. It’s amazing that we can pick up right where we left off, as if she’s still just living down the hill. But, that’s how it is with family.

I love my sis, but I have lots of sisters—sisters in the faith. I love them too.

I spoke at a retreat over the weekend and stepped into a roomful of women I’d never met. But they weren’t strangers. I immediately felt a bond of love with the ladies at the First Christian Church in Roseburg. They were gracious and kind of course, but what I experienced was more than just becoming acquainted with some very nice ladies. They were family.

God’s children are all related. We share the same father, our Heavenly Father. We belong to Him and to each other. No matter where we go on this earth when we find a brother or sister in Christ we are instantly bonded. Knowing I’m never alone gives me peace and assurance.

The more I step out into the world the more I realize how big my family is. No matter how long or how briefly we’ve known each other, we’re connected. We’re part of one another and are meant to experience life together. It’s always a treat to discover more of my warmhearted sisters who make me feel loved and cared for.

God knows and understands us so well. We need each other. How like Him to offer us exactly what we need.

John 13:34 – 35 says, “A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

I love that! They will know us by our love.

Make sure to treat each other with kindness and respect. Love as God tells us to. And if you haven’t done so recently, take a close look at your Christian family and remember to pray for them and to let them know how much you care about them.

And thanks so much to the women of First Christian Church for blessing me this past weekend. You ladies are very special.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living--Father Knows Best

How many of you remember the television program from the 60’s called "Father Knows Best"? I’ve got my hand raised. I loved that show! Robert Young played the father, Jim Anderson, who watched over his family, which consisted of his wife Margaret and three children, Betty, Bud and Kathy.

The program created a nearly perfect image of an American family. It presented a home life most of us would long for. The Andersons went about everyday activities in an idyllic way. They had their troubles, like all families do, but they met difficulties together and everything always turned out fine. And of course, Father always knew best.

The program may not have portrayed the reality of today’s typical family but it gave us a picture of what we all desire, a life lived with faith and trust in the ones we love and who love us back. I think the program is a good picture of the absolute trust a child should have in a father.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the
Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope
and a future.”

The Lord is the Father we long for, the one who loves us no matter what we do, the one we can trust and who always has our best interests at heart. With a Dad like that we don’t need to fear tomorrow. So, why do we? The answers to that question are as varied as the human race, but one overriding reason, I believe, is that we've forgotten how to trust.

God says He knows the plans He has for us. It seems to me that whatever He’s laid out must be the very best. So, if we can learn to trust in His good judgment and live our lives accordingly we ought to attain all the good things He wants for us. Good does not necessarily mean easy or painless, but when we conquer a mountain with God cheering us on even the painful experiences in life can be embraced.

May we look to Him and experience hope and peace, knowing that our future is secure.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God-Knit Together

Fifty-six years ago, today, I met my parents . . . and my two older brothers for the first time. It was an auspicious moment.

My father is gone now, but my mother is still living and this day never passes without her thinking about my birth and how we first met. When my childrens' birthdays come I do the same, remembering my labor, the trip to the hospital, all the special particulars of that child’s labor and then the moment . . . our first introduction face to face. Each one’s arrival impacted me in a tremendous way.

In light of this, my mind wanders to God and what He may feel about our arrival here on earth. I’m sure He’s not surprised at what He finds for He knew us long before we were born.

Psalm 139 is full of treasures and one day we’ll take a look at some of its other verses, but today I want to focus on a few right in the middle of the chapter, verses 13 – 16.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

As I read these passages tears come. How amazing! God created me on purpose. The God of the universe thought it out and then crafted me—Bonnie Leon. I too often forget this significant truth. And worse than that I sometimes loathe his creation, thinking He must have been mistaken and I ought to go back for a refitting.

He made no mistake; the first verse says He knit me together. When I read this I see gentle nurturing hands creating something of value. The verse goes on to say that there was nothing hidden from Him. He knew exactly what He was doing.

These statements are beyond my comprehension . . . but I know they are true. I trust God; He does not lie, not ever. The unfathomable truth is that He formed me. He could have made me better—smarter, prettier, kinder, gentler and a long list of other er’s, but I’m me with all my weaknesses and foibles. And yet, He loves me.

He gave me free will and therefore I am an imperfect human being, one who makes wrong choices, worries too much, and has been known to whine on occasion, and who isn’t always kind and full of love. But the core of me came into being at His will. I can trust Him; I’m a continuing work.

Verse sixteen says all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. I pray I do not squander the time given me and that I savor every moment, remembering that the good and not so good are all part of the journey and that the journey is a gift.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie