Tips For Triumphant Living -- Don't Bury Your Treasures

A couple of weeks ago I watched my dog, Bentley, bury two of his bones. These were his treasures, and yet he buried them. I chuckled as I watched him use his stubby nose to carefully push the dirt into place, just so. Finally, satisfied that his treasures were safe, he trotted away.

I thought, how silly. What good would his bones do him buried beneath the dirt? He could no longer chew on them or throw them into the air and chase after them. They were no longer a pleasure to him.

God shares his wisdom with us through ordinary events of life. My dog and his bones were a lesson for me and I hope for you.

Do we bury our treasures--Use our good china only for special occasions? Or do we save our favorite clothes for important outings? What about spiritual gifts of encouragement, serving or teaching? Do we keep them to ourselves? Or natural gifts like music or art? Do we hide them from others and keep them for our eyes and ears only?

Treasures are to be enjoyed and shared. I'm reminded of the parable in Matthew 25 about the man who entrusted money to his servants. Two of the servants put the money to good use, but one decided to play it safe, and he dug a hole and buried the money. He was afraid and did nothing with what his master had given him.

Just like that man we are given much--possessions, spiritual gifts, and natural talents. These can and should be used to the glory of God. Is there something preventing us from giving back to Him? Are we afraid? Is it possible we're unable to grasp how much God has done for us and lack gratitude?

I've suffered from these shortcomings. The days when I refuse to share God's gifts life is dry and empty. He wants more for you and I. Giving of ourselves always has praiseworthy returns. Enjoy what God has supplied and offer money, gifts and talents back to the Kingdom. The experience creates a well of joy. Let us light up the Kingdom of glory so others can see The King.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quite Moments With God -- All Good Things Come From God

I received a gift yesterday. The memory of my five-year-old granddaughter's joy-filled face.

After church, our women's ministry team provided a meal along with a raffle. We're raising money for the ministry fund. It was a fun time spent with friends over good food and with hopes of winning something special.

My granddaughter Olivia was on pins and needles, hoping to win a gift basket filled with items meant especially for a little girl. She'd put all of her tickets in that one gift box. When it was time to draw for that very special prize I believe Olivia was holding her breath. Her eyes were bright with anticipation, and when her name was called she leaped out of her chair and walked up to accept her prize.

With her arms wrapped around the over-sized gift box, she headed back to her seat, no doubt feeling like she'd won the lottery. Her expression shone with excitement and joy. That look stayed with me all day. I can see it now--pure joy unencumbered by life's circumstances. My little granddaughter has been through a lot of sorrow recently, but that's not what she was thinking about at that moment. All she knew was that she'd won the prize she wanted.

I too, have had special moments in my life. I've had some extraordinary gifts bestowed upon me--more than I can count. Sadly, I too often forget the gifts and become focused on circumstances. And as I envision my granddaughter's special moment and realize she was thinking of nothing but the gift, I'm reminded how far off the mark my life can sometimes be.

God has given me much to be thankful for--precious people to love and who love me, purpose in life, and much more than I need to sustain me. The apostle Paul said all we need to be content is enough food and clothing. I have much more and yet there are days when contentment seems far from my grasp. When I realize my ingratitude, tears fill my eyes and I wonder does my selfishness wound my Lord, who has given me so much?

God is good. My life is blessed. I want to shout, "THANK YOU! THANK YOU, GOD." And then I whisper, "Please forgive me. Forgive me for forgetting your goodness."

He has surrounded me with love and beaty. I have more than I could even think to ask for and more than I deserve. It is my prayer that I remember the precious moments, the blessings showered upon me, and the greatest gift of all--Christ. And may I give back . . . every day.

We have more than we know. Look at the blessings, see them and remember that all good things come from God.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Caterpillars & Butterflies

Today’s blog title is Quiet moments with God. When I think about these special times with my Lord, I usually envision a devotional time—Bible Study, prayer or worship. But that’s a narrow perspective.

All of creation is formed by the very hand of my Heavenly Father. He means for you and I to enjoy all that He has made.

A couple days ago my daughter, Sarah, and I and her three children piled into the car for an adventure. We headed for a Butterfly Park not far from our home. We found all sorts of exhibits. There was a butterfly pavilion with the winged beauties where we discovered newly laid eggs on the leaves of some of the plants. There were baby caterpillars. I’d never considered a caterpillar as being cute, but these were. There were also cocoons, but none were ready to reveal the finery hidden inside. If we want to see that miracle we’ll have to go back.

My grandchildren studied butterflies and bees, gathered special stones, and talked about the wonders of the universe as we strolled through stunning gardens. I watched and laughed as they rolled down grassy hillsides, galloped through forested trails and climbed sculptures. My daughter laid down in the sweet smelling grass and the children piled on, then decided it would be fun if grandma took pictures of them pretending to sleep or playing dead. We laughed ourselves silly.

Although it was a day filled with activities it was definitely a quiet moment with God--precious time spent with the ones I love. Memories are now tucked away in my mind to be recalled again and again. Days like these are special reminders of the treasures of life, offered up by the God of the universe and made possible only because of Him. They are gifts to be opened, enjoyed and treasured.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- The Mountain is Out

In the state of Washington in the Enumclaw area there is a saying, "The Mountain is out." All those living on the plateau know when someone says this it means Mount Rainier is visible, which also includes clear skies and sunhine. In the spring this is a special event. I know, I grew up in the rainy northwest.

On Saturday, May 16th, it was a gloriously beautiful day. My friend Ann Shorey and I were driving from our hotel to Enumclaw when I said, "Uh oh, the mountain is out."

So, why would that be a problem for two visiting authors? After a long, wet winter locals do anything but stay indoors when the skies turn blue and the sun warms the earth. And Ann and I were on our way to the Salt Shaker Bookstore to teach two writing workshops and sign copies of our most recent releases along with local author Susan Marlow. Conditions meant turn out would likely be low. After all, The Mountain was out.

The Salt Shaker Bookstore is a first-rate store that specializes in Christian books and gifts. They also serve coffee and goodies. I think it's a terrific place to spend a day.

As it turned out, on the 16th I was one of the few who felt that way. We had only one attendee for our workshops. Two of the store employees graciously joined the class and of course Ann and I took part when the other was speaking. I suppose the natural inclination is to see the event as a flop, but not so.

God knew what He was up to. He had a plan and May 16th belonged to Him. It was a delightful day. Our one attendee, Judy Gann, is a non-fiction author who has just begun her journey into fiction writing. She was happy to be there and ready to learn. Ann and I enjoyed her company immensely. We were both touched by the store employees who sat in on our classes. The folks at the Salt Shaker are super nice people. Throughout the day there were unexpected visits from special friends and readers. And I was especially surprised by a visit from my Junior High principal, Charles Wilson. What a special treat.

May 16th in Enumclaw is the day, in my history, that I taught my smallest class ever(thus far), but it will also be remembered as an absolutely lovely day filled with unexpected blessings. It definitely was NOT a flop. And I was especially happy to be in Enumclaw on a day when The Mountain was out. :-)

Praising God for His blessings!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie