Tips For Triumphant Living -- Be Smarter Than A Chicken

Chickens are stupid creatures, but I still enjoy them. They're generally gentle birds who provide us with fresh eggs and sometimes meat. It's fun to listen to a hen cackle her joy and pride to the world after she's laid an egg.

Spring has arrived here in Oregon, which means it's time to build our flock, time to buy chicks. The tiny fluff balls are really cute, but they seem to have fewer brain cells than their parents. Still, God uses the simple things of this world to teach us and my little brood reminded me of an important lesson.

I've been caring for my chicks in a box in the house, but as they grew so did their stink. And after one precocious little bird flew out of the box and ended up on my carpeted floor I decided it was time to move them all to a coop.

I got the coop ready--fresh shavings on the floor, food and water and a heat lamp. When I put the chicks inside they were jubilant. They had room to run and even fly a little. I was sure all would be well. The next morning I checked on them and they still had plenty to eat and drink and seemed healthy so I went on my way. Late that afternoon I looked in on them again. There was still lots of food and water. In fact, it looked as if they hadn't touched any of it. My feathered friends weren't eating or drinking.

I moved the water and food closer to them and they immediately set upon both eating and drinking as fast as they could. Nourishment and drink had been available and yet they hadn't touched either. All they needed to do was move a couple of feet further and they would have discovered their meal. If I hadn't intervened they would have died. Stupid, I thought and then I realized how many Christians are just like these chicks.

God has placed his Living Word within our reach, yet we refuse to consume His spiritual feast. Our Bibles gather dust, and church on Sunday is just too much trouble, and activities crowd out things like Bible study groups or prayer groups. When we don't eat the spiritual food provided by God we risk dying from spiritual starvation.

Gods says in the book of Hosea, "My people are being destroyed because they don't know me." God has provided everything we need so that we can know Him. His Word is filled with glorious promises and words of encouragment and wisdom. If only we will eat, then we will know how to live.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Be Kind

Sometimes it feels as if our world has completely forgotten what it means to be kind. I know there are many kind souls out there, but some days it feels like the majority of humans are focused only on self--their comfort, their needs, their desires. And others . . . well their pain and their troubles are of no concern to us. Why waste time being thoughtful or helpful?

I think our awareness of charity begins in childhood. When I was young being cruel wasn't tolerated and if I was caught tormenting anything or anyone my parents made certain I paid a price--often that meant a sore behind or at the very least an apology offered to the one I'd purposely hurt. My parents were also a living example of what it meant to live graciously. Their moral message stayed with me. I live kindly, as best as I can. I'm human so failure is a certainty.

If you weren't raised with the kind of example I was blessed to have, there is still no excuse for intentional cruelty, not if you're a believer. God has adamantly answered this issue. In His Word He states clearly how we are to treat one another. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead be kind to each other tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." And Christ is our example.

I don't see that we have any excuse that justifies cruelty. I've witnessed rage, anger and harsh words hurled from one Christian to another. And it's usually over an inconsequential issue. This kind of behavior must grieve our Father.

I want to say, "How dare we injure one another this way? Do we take God's Word so lightly? Have we forgotten that Christ lives in us? Matthew 25:40 says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." How about to Him?

I know we're imperfect beings. We lose our tempers and react in ways that dishonor God and hurt others. When we fall, as we surely will, we need to seek God's forgiveness and then the forgiveness of the one we've treated badly. I believe in clean slates; it makes life much sweeter. How good it is to know that God's mercies are new every morning.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Let Him In

I am a sinner saved by grace. With my human mind it's difficult to grasp what that really means. I can't comprehend God's love. He sacrificed His son for me and for you. I couldn't give up my child for someone else.

I've been a Christian a long time and sometimes take God's gifts for granted. I forget to be grateful. And yet He never forsakes me. When I look at who I really am, on the inside where no one sees, I wonder why He loves me so much. I guess I don't have to know, but at the very least I should let God have all of me. To do so means I have to let him in.

Am I prepared to do that? To allow God to see my core and then to look at what He shows me about myself? Of course God already knows everything there is to know about me, but the difference I'm making is that I choose to let Him see it all. And I choose to see the real me.

God is good and I don't think He will show us what we're not ready to see. But we need to begin. And to do so means to bend our will to His. Until we look at who we are we can't fully walk with Him. When we hide from our sin, refusing to see it, how can we seek God's forgiveness? How can we grow and change? How can we be transformed?

Looking into our hearts can be painful. I don't like everything I see there. I have too much of "ME" there. And too much me means too little of Him.

Galatians 2:20 says, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

How about that -- "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." That's powerful. That's what I want--to be made new, to be a light to the world.

Don't be afraid to look, Christ's sacrifice covers all our sin.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Make Sure To Have Some Fun

I am blessed. I have a job I love. However, like most of you, it's not all fun and games. I spend countless hours alone in front of my computer. I work nights and weekends. And my income -- well let's not even go there.

I do get to create characters. I love that. I dream up plots. I love that. I search for historical tidbits that will make a scene more realistic. I love that too. And I meet the most interesting people. I absolutely love that.

My biggest struggle is my physcial condition. I live with chronic pain. And some of what I do as a writer makes it worse. Travel, though it is something I love, is one of those challenges. It's hard on my body, and sometimes it's hard to fight through the pain. In fact, on my last resarch trip my back went out while I was touring a really nice museum in Yakima. That was definitely not fun.

While in Yakima I took my smarting bones to a meeting I'd scheduled prior to my visit. Mark and Cheryl Barrett (pictured above) were my gracious hosts. What a delight it was to visit with them. Although my body was complaining the rest of me was having fun. The Barrets are one of those treasures writers look for. Their family has been growing fruit in the Yakima Valley for generations. The Barretts know all there is to know about fruit growing and life in the valley.

We sat outdoors on a patio in front of their gift shop, sipping apple pop (I didn't know there was such a thing, but it's very good) and chatting. The gift shop is located on their fruit farm so I had a good view of the rows and rows of fruit trees. The store is chock full of goodies and interesting gift items. I highly recommend it to visitors.

It was one of those perfect spring days, warm and sunny with just a light breeze. We talked about farming, life in the valley and local history. Although I was in pain and technically working, I was having fun. I suppose I could have set my mind on the pain and all the work that waited for me here at home but if I'd done that I would have missed out on the fun.

It turned out to be a super day. I met a couple of very nice people and gathered in information that will make the scenes in the book I'm working on come to life. I'm so glad I made the trip.

God has all kinds of surprises waiting for us. There is wonder in day to day living. We've just got to open our eyes and our hearts so we can see it.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

You can find Barrett Orchards at www.treeripened.com

Quiet Moments With God -- God Sees It All

I've been thinking recently about Godly living. In fact, I touched on it in my last blog. But a situation came up just this week, one I've sadly seen many times before. Being unkind to anyone is never okay, but it's especially disconcerting when Christians are cruel to one another. And if we think we can do it in the dark where no one will know that's not true--God sees everything.

Psalm 139:1-3 says, "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sittng down and my rising up. You understand my thoughts afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways."

Frankly, I have mixed feelings about these verses. My first emotion is comfort and I feel protected. I can rest in the knowledge that God truly knows me and yet He loves me just as I am. But I also feel shame. My Father sees it all. He knows everything there is to know about me, and yet I'm thankful I'm never out of His sight.

I've been witnessing a small crisis. Well, it feels small to me but to one of the people involved it's a heartache and it is being inflicted on her by a friend. Irritability and a short temper feels as if it's aimed directly at her on purpose and it's making her feel that she isn't valued. It's a wound that may leave a scar between her and this friend, which is a true sorrow.

I'm almost certain the person inflicting the wounds is not doing so with evil intent, although he's probably aware of his sour mood. If we are honest with ourselves I'm sure we can remember doing something similar. Circumstances in life cause us to lash out at the people around us. Though we know it's not right we still do it.

Wouldn't it be better if we chose to pray and quiet our spirits and then spread a balm on our loved ones instead of acid. We should do so out of obedience and a high regard for God and His family. Maybe knowing we can't truly hide our wrong doings from The One who matters most will help us to turn away from this sin and find a way to love instead.

For when we think no one knows He does.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Don't Carry Tales

None of us wants to be seen as the type who ridicules others. And I doubt that many of us consider ourselves to be malicious. But let's get honest--we're humans and all humans do bad things some of the time, including being a tale bearer. Perhaps we fall into it unintentionally. Nevertheless if we've taken part we've sinned.

Proverbs 29:8 says, "Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger." Seems clear to me that we're called to bring calm to our world not anger. Mocking someone else or gossiping about others is always damaging and stirs up trouble.

I know a person who doesn't intentionally do this, but there is often a cloud of trouble swirling around him. He loves God and serves faithfully and yet he mocks others. He has a tendency to see the worst in people and is quick to share his views. Soon, the word is out about so-and-so and people are quick to judge and to jump on the gossip train.

If we listen to hateful words about someone else and accept them as truth we're part of the problem. It's easy to think we know the "facts" when we don't. Only God knows a man's heart. Only he can judge.

I've seen major storms break out in a church over one piece of misinformation passed along by someone who thinks they recognize a truth others ought to know. We hurt each other, sometimes with eternal consequences. Oh, how it must grieve our Lord.

I've been on both sides of this issue--a tale bearer and the victim of tales. Both hurt, but when I think back to my part in a flood of gossip or judgement I'm filled with shame and I vow--never again.

God says we're to love one another. How much better it is to pray for and to lift up others rather than to tear them down. Love brings blessings.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Remember Christ

Many people are struggling. Some fight to make it through one more day. We face financial hardships, illness, aging parents, betrayal and loss of hope and disappointments of all kinds. Our burdens are many and it's easy to get caught up in the uncertainty and anxiety of the world.

We've just been through Good Friday, a day to remember Christ's sacrifice, and then Easter, a day to rejoice.

Jesus walked the way of sorrows and allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross. Very near death he said, "It is finsihed." Our sin has been paid in full, covered by His blood. To receive, we only need to believe.

And on Easter, the day He rose, we rejoice. He covered our sin with His own blood and now waits for us in heaven. He has promised us a place at His table. His sacrifice destroyed the tactics of the enemy and we now have unending days waiting for us.

Our time on this earth is only a blip in eternity. Todays sorrows are less than that.

On Sunday, our pastor talked about many things, but something that stuck with me was his description of the disciples sacrifices and deaths. Some were crucified, even upside down, others beheaded, one stoned, another killed by spears, one exiled. But they would not renounce Christ, because they had seen all that had happened. They knew, they believed--not because of something they'd heard, but because of what they'd experienced--Christ.

In light of this my present sorrows seem small. I carry my hurts and fears to God and I know He cares, but I have not even begun to give what these men of God offered. I am the recipient of their sacrifices and of the greatest sacrifice of all.

Life is full of hope and joy because of Jesus. One day God will carry me home and then I will see clearly how man hours I've spent contemplating the wrong things. I will leave my possessions of this earth behind and will be caught up into heaven with my Lord pure and blameless because of Him.

There is nothing I can do to gain this gift, except to believe in Christ. It is He that should be foremost in my mind and heart, not my troubles.

All will be well. Never forget what has been given for us--remember Christ.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Listen to Others

After returning home from a five day research trip I expected to spend a day resting, then get back to work on my latest novel. I should have known better than to plan.

My husband and I picked up my mother on our last day of the trip so she could spend a few days with us. Mom's a sweet woman who appreciates life and having her with us is a gift.

Even with her here, I'd planned to spend some time working. After all, having one extra person in the house doesn't change things too awfully much. I figured there'd be plenty of time for work and pleasure. However, my household of three was about to change.

My youngest daughter had been sick for several weeks and was finally diagnosed with pneumonia. She was too sick to care for herself and her children so it was decided they ought to stay here where Sarah could rest and I could take care of the kids.

My son was also due to arrive for a visit with us and his grandmother. We love having him here. And we were scheduled to drive my mom to the train depot in Eugene (a couple hours north) on Sunday.

In true "Bonnie style" I tried to keep up with writing my book, socializing, caring for my daughter, baby-sitting, cooking . . . and everything else. I could feel my book deadline looming so I kept pushing to "do it all". My husband knows me well (after all we've been a couple for forty-one years). He knew I was about to miss out on the special opportunities of family time that I'd been given because I refused to let go of the work of writing.

Kindly but firmly he told me to put the writing aside. Perfectly sensible advice. I shouldn't have needed to be told. But until he spoke I couldn't give myself permission to do the best thing for me and everyone else. He helped me see my priorities--the people I love. The work would get done, but the days with my family would come and go and once gone I couldn't get them back.

I thank the Lord for giving me a wise husband. The moment I decided to listen to him and made the decision that work could wait I felt at peace. I had a couple more days with my mom, puzzle making and games with my grandchildren, a good visit with my son and, although I was concerned about my very ill daughter, it felt good to care for her. She's on the mend, the way.

Sometimes it takes the voice of someone else to help us make wise choices. Listen to others, they may be making sense.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Worry Less

I came across a couple of great quotes.

Mary Hemingway said, "Worry a little every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything."

And . . .

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its joy."
Author unknown.

Both of these quotes hit me right where I live. I'm a worrier, always have been. I'm one who imagines worse case scenarios. Maybe that's why I write books--my imagination works overtime. When I'm wearing my author's hat that's a great help, but in the day to day living it only causes anxiety and is not profitable.

Mary Hemingway said, train yourself. If we're worriers and want to live in a state of peacefulness we have some work to do. It will take effort and determination. Scripture tells us to take every thought captive. I'm learning. Some days I'm more successful than others, but I will not give up.

Worry is a normal human response to troubles, but it says a lot about how we see God. Do we trust Him . . . really? If we do, then why are we worrying? He sees it all. He hears our every prayer. Knows our every need. And He has everything in hand.

When we fully trust God it means we don't have to worry about what terrible thing may happen today or tomorrow. Rather, we can live like babes who have been gathered into their mother's arms--fully dependent and fully trusting.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Kick Up Your Heels

I live in a rural area in Southern Oregon. The landscape is a combination of forests and grazing lands. When I travel between home and town I always see horses, cattle and sheep on the rolling hillsides.

A few days ago while returning home from town I noticed a frolicking full grown black angus. She was running, leaping and jumping while kicking up her heels. This is unusual behavior for a cow. By the time they're grown up they spend their time grazing or standing looking stupified while they chew their cud. Calves run and leap, not cows.

Watching this bovine enjoy herself made me think about grown ups in general. Some of us adults have forgotten what it's like to kick up our heels and have full out fun. That's for the youngsters we say. We're missing out. Just think back to your youth for a moment and remember how much fun it can be.

I'm not able to kick up my heels any more, but that doesn't mean my heart can't do some leaping and jumping for joy. Evidently God thinks joyful living matters because there are lots of scriptures that talk about it.

Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! And Psalm 4:7 says, You have put gladness in my heart. And there's Psalm 16:9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. And John 15:11, These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full. And lets not forget Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

These are just a few. Remember the joy of the Lord. Share some of that joy with people in your life. Lift others up--laugh, sing, and yes even dance.

Sharing joy makes it grow. And then it comes back to you.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- We May Have Only Today

Have you considered how you want to live out your life? Have you thought about how important each day is and that we don't know if there will be a tomorrow? Only the Lord knows the number of days we have on this earth.

While we're here we may be the only image of Christ someone else will see. Most of the time we don't know that people are watching, observing what makes us different from someone who doesn't profess Christ as Lord. More times than I'd like to count I've not been a good example. In my younger years I could quickly become a "mother bear" in defense of my children, a not so attractive example of Christ. And I could and can still get my dander up over an irritation or difference of opinion.

I've made numerous apologies over the years because of a quick temper. It's humiliating to go back to a store clerk and apologize for my short fuse. But it's equally rewarding to see that clerk brighten and graciously accept my apology.

As I've aged, many of the lessons learned have stuck and I'm calmer these days and less likely to loose my cool. However, I haven't arrived.

Being a living example of Christ isn't just about maintaining emotions. It includes being gracious, generous, kind, and helpful. Well, actually all you need to do is look at the fruit of the spirit, which is listed in Galatians 5:22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

We shall be known by our fruit. Scripture tells us to live out our faith. If we do our days will be filled with blessings, we will likely do something worthwhile and possibly something spectacular such as introducing Christ to a new believer.

What would I do if I knew I had only one day left on this earth? I'd give out lots of hugs, I'd make sure to tell those I love that I love them, I might even bake my "famous" chocolate chip cookies for the last time and share them with my friends. And I'd definitely sit down with people who don't know Christ and tell them all about Him.

It's time for us to live like today is our last. We will be blessed. Today will be richer and more joyous, not just for us but for those around us.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Remember Him

It's nearly one o'clock in the morning and I can't sleep--nothing new for me. But while I was lying in bed I could hear the hooting of an owl so I got up and stepped onto my back patio.

The night is clear and cold. Stars shimmer in a black sky. And as I stand wrapped in my not so sexy bathrobe the hoot of the owl echoes from nearby. Another one answers from a distance. In the quiet chilled evening, they continue to speak to one another. As I share the solitude with my wild friends, I feel as if I'm being included in one of God's special moments. He feels so near.

There are many wonders in our world. I live in the country and each day I'm privileged to see an assortment of wild creatures, hear the wind blow through tree boughs and gaze at rolling hillsides festooned with groves of oak and evergreens. And I am reminded of The One who created the beauty. When the forest floor is littered with wild flowers of every hue and shape I am reminded of Him. And when I'm included in a midnight serenade between two owls I am reminded of Him.

These may seem like small things, but God wants us to remember Him. To remember that He created earth, our temporary home, just for us. He wants us to know that He longs to spend time with us.

You don't have to live in the country to see His creation. It's everywhere--in the trees along city streets, the birds flitting among the bushes in your yard, flowers grown on a city rooftop or even in misty clouds that look like filigree against a pale blue sky.

He's here, all around us, remindng us of His presence. We simply need to look. And when we remember, let's not forget to thank Him for His wondrous gift of earth. There is no other place like it in all the universe.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Listen to the Wise

I often read the book of Proverbs. If it's the fourth day of the month I read chapter four, the seventh day, chapter seven and so on. It is a wisdom feast.

Today is the fifth so I read Proverb's five. There is always more to learn and today God continued to teach. He has a way of zinging me right where I need it.

Chapter five speaks about temptation. We are bombarded by temptations of every description. Many seem innocuous (are they really?) but there are those that scripture says are as "bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword, and that lead straight to the grave".

As I read scripture shouted, "LISTEN TO ME!" If I refuse the day will come when I will groan in anguish for I will receive the fruit of my disobedience. His Word goes on to say, "How I hate discipline, if ony I had not ignored all the warnings!

That's me. There is so much I could have done better, done right. But I haven't lost hope. I can turn to God and obey Him. He is merciful. Though I may pay consequences for my disobedience, He will not leave me nor will He forsake me. Not ever.

I must climb out of a pit I've dug for myself. I'm thankful for the powerful hand of God who will help lift me. Still, how much better it would have been to have listened to His wise counsel from the very beginning.

Although I can begin anew, perfection remains out of my grasp, but God sustains and comforts me. He holds me so close that I hear the beating of His heart.

Today is a new day, a new beginning. A day to rejoice and to praise the King. He has not forsaken me. He is forever and always shall be my Father who loves without restriction.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- The Battle

Have you read Shannon Van Roekel's book, Desert Fire? If not, you should. From time to time, I come across a book that transforms my thinking and sets my heart aflame with conviction. Shannon, thank you for writing this story. I'm certain the enemy didn't want it written and very likely made your journey to publication a difficult one.

Desert Fire takes us to one of the darkest places on our planet--Darfur. It is there that we are introduced to injustice and brutality unimaginable. We are challenged to look at the truth that we can do more. Not just in Darfur but in all the dark places of our world. To do so, means fixing our eyes on God and listening to His voice. What is it He is asking of us? First we must believe in the one who is above all others, then stand before the enemy prepared to fight.

For each of us, the battle is unique, but the battle plan is the same. God tells us who the enemy is and how to fight him in Ephesians 6:10-18. It is a long stretch of scriptue, but I feel compelled to include it all.

It says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not agaainst flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

We need to fight. We can win. Look to the heavens, stand firm and brandish the sword of truth. Don't turn away from evil, don't flinch. Pray for one another, pray for those who live in terror, pray for those who go out into the darkness carrying the torch of light.

Read Shannon's book. I pray it will awaken lukewarm hearts who have forgotten there is a war to be won and an enemy to defeat.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Run to Win

For the past two weeks I've been sleep deprived. I'm an Olympics addict--winter and summer. I love the competition and the athletes are an inspiration. Since I grew up in a family of Olympic fans, I've been this way most of my life.

I'm impressed by the talent, dedication and courage of the athletes. It takes a rare person to stick to a lifetime commitment that may or may not pay off in the end. The athletes have my absolute respect.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 speaks to this. It says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlesslly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No. I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

I can never be an Olympic athlete, but I can be a dedicated servant of God. To do that I must train hard. Unlike the medals awarded at the Olympics, which do not last, the crown I fight for will last forever.

Paul makes it clear that this is no small task. We are to run in such a way as to win. Just like an Olympic athlete it requires discipline and training. Sacrifice is required. God has laid out a plan for us--Prayer, Bible study and worship are our tools. Too many hours in front of the televicion, computer or even in a book (which I love) can rob us of priceless time with our Lord.

God has given us so much for our enjoyment and it is his desire that we take part in this wonderful world he's created. It is a gift. Spend time loving others, enjoy a good book or a movie, or a morning sunrise. But don't neglect time to train for the eternal race where glory waits for us. Go for the gold.


Grace and peacet to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Hidden in the Crevice of a Rock

Recently during a Bible study Exodus 33:19-23 came up for discussion. Most likely we've all heard or read about this encounter Moses had with God. This time, while reading through the verses, God revealed something new to me, something He knew I needed to see. When I contemplate what happened between these two I'm so deeply touched that tears of thankfulness and love overtake me.

When Moses met with God he asked to see his glory. God's response reveals the Lord's tenderness and offers a picture of our God we rarely see. Scripture says, "The Lord replied, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.' The Lord continued, 'Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will removed my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.'"

As I contemplate God's tenderness toward Moses I am bathed in the warmth of true love. I can envision God gently setting Moses in the crevice of a rock and then with a father's compassion He covers Moses with his hand, making certain he is safe. Moses sees God only from behind as He passes by, and yet he is transformed.

This encounter gives us a glimpse of what is to come. Our Heavenly Father cares for us with a love we cannot comprehend. One day we will see Him face to face and we will fully experience His radiance. He loves us with the same intensity that He felt for Moses. He is with us every moment, placing his hand of protection upon us. His love will never diminish.

We're always and forever His.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Just Do It

"Just do it," is an idiom we're all familiar with. When Nike coined the phrase it meant go all out, live life, but they implied that we couldn't do that without wearing a pair of Nikes.

Over the years it's been used in a number of ways with countless meanings. I was reminded of this while in church Sunday when my pastor shared a quote from Harry Blamires who said, "Do we have a bowed head or a turned back?" You might wonder what this has to do with a Nike slogan. The context of the quote was that we have only two responses to authoritative spiritual counsel -- either do it or don't do it. That's pretty straight forward.

When we consider our spiritual walk are we more likely to bow to Christ or to turn our back? Think about the last time you knew God was asking something of you; what was your response? I've said no to the Lord many times. Often I'm not aware that that's what I'm doing. My decision to say no may be disguised as simple practicality. Or convincing myself the time's not right. There are a lot of things we tell ourselves to reassure us that we're not turnnig our backs. I do it. You do it.

What if we decided to always bow, always say yes to Christ no matter the consequences or circumstances? Our lives and the world would be transformed. We would be open vessels filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. We would posssess the peace that comes with knowing we are in God's perfect will. What better place can there be?

We are imperfect creatures. We will not always get "it" right. But if we decide to say yes more often the results may be stunning.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- God Whispers

This is a topic I've talked about before, but last weekend God gave me a powerful image of what it looks like to persevere. Our school district hosted a wrestling tournament. I spent the day in a school gym, watching boys battle for points and the ultimate pin.

I don't like wresting, never have. It's always seemed brutal. However since my grandson has taken up the sport I've grown to appreciate the strength and tenacity of wrestlers. I must admit I spend a good deal of time barely watching and praying while boys have their faces ground into mats, arms contorted so badly it seems they'll be torn out of sockets and their necks twisted in the most frightening positions.

Today while doing my best to keep my eyes on the matches the Lord whispered to me, "Watch and learn, see what I see." And then I saw something I'd been missing--tenacity, courage, strength and the refusal to give up. Many of the wrestlers, including my grandson, fight on even when all seems lost. They refuse to surrender.

My grandson didn't "win" all of his matches that day, but even when he "lost" he was a winner because he didn't give up. When matched against a boy three years his senior who clearly outweighed him, he kept fighting. I was impressed. While I watched I heard again that quiet voice of God whisper to me, "Don't give up."

God speaks and we need to listen. We face challenges and tasks that seem too difficult. We may even believe they're impossible to achieve. How will we know unless we fight on? Only then can we realize victory. It's in the battle that we gain strength, faith and knowledge that prepares us for the next contest.

Life holds a variety of rewards, but we'll only experience them if we're willing to take on challenges and fight for them. Many of the obstacles I encounter I've met before. They seem to be forever rising up to confront me. I've wanted to give up, thinking it can't be done. However, it will be easier now, for God has planted an image in my mind of a little boy in a wrestling hold that seems impossible to break free from. Yet, he makes a surprising move and not only breaks free, but wins the match.

All things are possible with God. We can do it. Fight on!


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Seize Opportunities

This week while reading in the book of Esther I was struck by something I hadn't noticed before. When reading the story of this remarkable woman I've been impressed by her courage, her faith, and her obedience, admirable traits we should all strive to live out. However on this read through I noticed another quality in Esther--she seized opportunities.

When King Xerxes decreed that all Jews be killed Mordecai said to Esther, the queen but also a Jew, "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" Esther's response? "If I must die, I must die."

Esther could have saved herself by keeping her lineage a secret. Instead she took hold of an opportunity to save her people. But she didn't jump into a plan carelessly. First she called others to join her in prayer and fasting, then trusting God she stepped forward, hoping to save her people. Knowing it might cost her life, she told the king the truth and requested he change his decree. The result--a nation was saved.

The opportunities presented to us most likely do not require that we put our lives on the line, but our decisions and actions have the power to change lives. Like Esther, we need to be aware of God's open doors. We need to be people who pray and when we're presented with a chance to make a change we need to seize it. God will provide opportunities.

Years ago when I first decided to write I had no idea that my hobby would become a career and a ministry. God had a plan and he flung open the doors. I walked through them. I'm not especially brave, but I could see that the opportunities presented to me were clearly God's doing. I didn't dare ignore him.

Don't turn your back on the open doors in your life. There are blessings and surprises on the other side. Step through and discover your destiny.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Live Sacrificially

Living sacrificially is a hard thing to get our hearts and minds around. I don't necessarily like it, particularly when the sacrifice of someone else means a sacrifice for me. After all, I wasn't called to that sacrifice . . . was I?

I recently received a video from my sister giving us a short tour of her new home. She and her husband gave up their comfortable home(only one mile from mine), family, friends, and their church to live in a remote area of Alaska where they serve God. They love their new life, but the sacrifice is real and sometimes painful for them as well as for the people they left behind who love them.

In the beginning I was mad. I love my sis and I loved having her close by. I knew God had other plans for her and that I was out of line. I was convicted again and again about my selfishness. I needed to embrace God's plans and let go of my own. I'm happy to say, God has managed to change my heart and though I still miss my sister I'm thrilled with what God is doing through her and her husband.

Serving God always requires sacrifice. Recently in a Bible study discussion we talked about the apostle Paul and his sacrifice. He served God with unwavering dedication. Even while imprisoned he held onto his calling and proclaimed the true faith to unbelievers. And he penned letters of instruction and encouragement to the churches and their leaders. In First Timothy he charged Timothy to fight the good fight and to hold tightly to the gospel of grace.

Paul's life is a good example for us. We've all been called, in one way or another, to serve. Service requires sacrifice--of our time, finances, maybe even our home. We have no excuses. There is always something we can do. When we put aside self God reveals His will and His way.

There is a saying often referred to in Weight Watchers--"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." Getting to the place called "thin" takes sacrifice, but it's a good place to be.

I urge you dear friends, don't fight against God, fight with Him. Stand up to evil. Share the gospel. Encourage others. Love one another. Sacrifice may feel painful for a time but glorifying God through our lives brings true joy and satisfaction.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie