New Beginnings

 

An important anniversary passed yesterday. It has been two years since the Archie Creek Fire hit our little town, eating up 72,000 acres in twelve hours, destroying 109 homes, and a total of 856 buildings. It then went on to gobble up 131,542 acres in all. 

When the fire came through, people in this community were devastated, shell-shocked and struggling to get their feet under them. Why would God allow such loss and sorrow?

I can't answer that question, but in all the months since, I've witnessed the goodness of God and of the people here. In the days immediately following the fire people came together, helping one another in any way they could, even giving up trailers for neighbors to live in and donating so much clothing and household goods we had difficulty finding enough space to store the items. People gathered together in the kitchen of one of our churches and prepared food for those in need. And one of our local restaurants served meals free to everyone who walked through their doors. It was remarkable.

Even after two years, help is still being offered.

To this day, we remain a closer community. 

When I look out my windows, I can see my neighbors. Before the fire we all lived tucked away among the forest, and it's been difficult getting used to the change in my view. At first, I felt exposed and uncomfortable, but I'm growing used to it. I will always miss the lush forest that used to surround us, but I like being able to see my neighbors. There's something about looking out at other homes that makes me feel more a part of the world.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I took a drive to look at some of the more devastated areas. We were happy to see that the forest is slowly coming back and there are new homes sprouting up everywhere - beautiful homes. 

So much of what was lost can never be replaced, but we do have a new beginning going on all around us. I was reminded of Romans 8:28, which says, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."

The enemy may have meant the storm that came upon us for evil, but God has used it for good. I know there are many who are still heart broken, whose wounds will never fully heal, but with God it is possible for us all to grasp the positive changes that have been bestowed upon us.

When I look out upon my neighborhood, I am reminded of what a blessing it is to be part of this exceptional community. 

So blessed. So loved. So grateful.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Even as I write this, there is a fire north of us near the community of Oakridge. Last I heard, it is blowing up and some are on a level 2 evacuation notice. Please keep the people of Oakridge in your prayers.

The Journey - New Beginnings

We are burgeoning with new beginnings. Presently at the top of our list is a new grandchild. We are on baby watch. Jase should arrive any day.

Aside from a new baby, we've had lots of other new beginnings this year. 

A new perspective on life - Ezra's miracle. 

He went from this on March 22nd.

To this on June 2nd. 

The Lord has blessed us.

We are also in our new home and we moved my mom into a new place too. I've started another book and my first non-fiction (a memoir) will be birthed this summer. I'll tell you more about that in the weeks to come.

All of these new beginnings have set me to thinking about a huge new beginning that took place in my life nearly forty years ago. I was twenty-three and separated from my husband of four years. I was shipwrecked -  living on my own and grieving the death of my marriage. I had other deaths in my life that year - a dear friend died, my father died and I lost a baby. 

The Lord can resurrect shipwrecked lives and dead marriages. The devastation dropped me to my knees, which is where I needed to be. It's a place where we can meet God.

The Lord had been trying to get my attention all of my life, but I'd turned my face from Him. I wasn't even sure I believed in God. 

During the alone days after my marriage crumbled I cried a lot, every day, and I came to understand heartache. I still loved my husband, but he didn't love me. I thought I'd received what I deserved. Childhood wounds had convinced me I was worthless trash and being cast aside by the world and by my husband was all that could be expected for someone like me.

And then, an incredible thing happened. An old friend stopped by to see me. As teenagers, Kathie and I had gotten ourselves into all sorts of trouble, but now she was different. She'd found the Lord. That night she didn't say a lot about her new-found faith, but she did ask if we could watch the 700 Club (her new favorite television show). We watched and I pretended to be uninterested. 

Before Kathie left, she told me, "I just want to say one thing. Jesus loves you."

She didn't lay out a four-step plan or lecture me she just told me I was loved. That good news went straight to my heart. I pretended not to care but inside I rejoiced. Someone loved me! 

In the days to come, Kathie's words stayed with me and the Holy Spirit drew me to the Lord until one afternoon I turned on the the 700 Club. I'm not advocating television evangelism, but can't deny that God uses all kinds of ways to reach the lost. 

Pat Robertson shared the gospel that day, and I knew God was speaking to me. I needed a Savior. Right there in front of the television I dropped to my knees and prayed with Mr. Robertson. I believed Jesus went to the cross for me and that he loved me in a way that I couldn't even begin to comprehend. I became His. 

I was loved!

Filled with inexpressible joy I cried and cried as years of hurt were washed away in my tears. I don't know how long I kneeled there, but when I stood up I was a new person. Filled with the Holy Spirit and God's love.

It was a new beginning.

My life has never been the same. Like a new born foal I stood on wobbly legs, but I stood. My hunger for God's Word was insatiable and with each passing day I grew wiser and stronger. 

The journey that began all of those years ago continues. I've had mountain top experiences and I've wandered in dark valleys, but the Lord has never left me. He is good all the time. He restored my marriage, blessed Greg and I with three children and a passel of grandchildren. 

Life is filled with joys and sorrows, but there is also hope . . . always hope.

New beginnings can be scary, but mostly they are amazing. I thank the Lord for loving me just as I was and just as I am. And I praise Him for new beginnings. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie


I'd love to hear about your new beginnings. Do you have a testimony you'd like to share? Send your story to me at bonnie.leon52@gmail.com and with your permission I'll post it here.

Quiet Moments With God -- New Beginnings

Do you know who this memorable character is? I'll bet you do. The precocious Anne Shirley of Green Gables.

I love family movies and one of my favorites is Anne of Green Gables. There is a scene in the movie where Anne has an epiphany and says, "Each day is new with no mistakes in it." (At least that's close to what she said.).




This week has me thinking about new days with no mistakes in them and new beginnings. My daughter Sarah was married over the weekend. It's not her first marriage, but it is a day to celebrate, a joyous new beginning. It's a marriage without any mistakes in it . . . yet. The mistakes will come because that's life and she and her new husband are just folks. But what a blessed time when a new family begins, a blend of his and hers. There is so much hope and expectation. And there is opportunity for God to do the unexpected and the exceptional through this unique and loving family.

There is another excellent event expected tomorrow. My dear daughter-in-law and my son will enter their local hospital where Brandi's labor will be induced. Prayerfully in a matter of hours the newest member of our family, Cy, will be born. What a grand new beginning for Cy--his first look at the world. For Paul and Brandi -- life will never be the same.

As is often the case, God uses the daily events in my life to whisper His truths to me. My thoughts returned to the day I first believed--the day I met my Lord. Oh, what a day! It is like no other! It was a new beginning. I became a new creation.

How amazing it is to be brand new with no mistakes, clean, pure and unblemished. It's nearly impossible to imagine such a state after so many years of mistakes, heartaches, survival. But God promises if we seek Him we will become more like Him. And His mercies are new every morning.

The blood of Jesus washes away our sins. And we are "White As Snow." Because of His mercy the blemishes of this life will not be carried into the next.

How incredible it is that we are given new beginnings. It is only because of the love of a merciful God.

Kelly and Sarah, cherish the opportunity. "Be all you can be." And baby Cy, I am giddy with anticipation at your new beginning. I am already praying for you.

There are all sorts of places in life where we get to begin again. Is there one that comes to your mind? Think on it. Cherish it. Be thankful for it. And then . . . share it, if not here then with someone who is dear to you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day: Celebrate!

We are rejoicing! Today, our new grandson, Kadin Matthew Ketcham was born. From the beginning of time, God knew about this momentous event. We only learned about it a few months ago. We've waited and prayed and anticipated his arrival. Today was the day.

When I held little Kadin in my arms I was overcome with emotion and couldn't hold back tears of joy and thankfulness. He is an answer to prayer. For many years, my daughter Kristina has prayed for another child. She has hung onto the belief that one day it would happen. Today her prayers were answered. We thank God for His goodness.

Looking upon Kadin's sweet face I see possibilities stretching out before him. Though God is the only one who knows the path he will walk, those who love him will be at his side, loving, teaching, encouraging and disciplining this child--supporting Kadin as he grows into a man we pray has a heart for God.

This is a day of new beginnings. A day filled with hopes, dreams and possibilities. It is a privilege to be a part of someone else's life. Today it is Kadin who is on our hearts, but whether it's a grandchild, a neighbor or a friend God asks us to care for and to love one another. He instructs us to uplift and to pray for each other. It is with joy and a sense of adventure that we set off together with Kadin on life's journey.

You and I are family too. May we see one another with the same wonder and expectation that I feel when I look at my grandson who is so recently from God. Who is in your life that you can join--that you can nurture--love? Whomever it is, rejoice at the wonder of the adventure.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day: April

Today is April 1st. It's always been a special day in my family. It's my youngest sister's birthday. Sadly we lost her to lupus many years ago, but the day of her birth never arrives that I don't think of her. Mom always said that Leslie played a practical joke on her by arriving three weeks early and on April Fools Day.

As youngsters we always had fun trying to fool one another. We'd do our best to be creative, but we had a running joke every year that had to do with our neighbors' cows and a poorly built fence. Occasionally the cows would get out and into our garden. On the morning of April 1st we'd act distraught and run to tell our father that the cows were in the garden again. He'd grab a pitchfork and run to head them off. We tricked him the first couple of years and then he caught on, but he still played along.

For me April 1st is a day that symbolizes the beginning of spring. I envision sunshine, daffodils, singing birds and trees filled with blossoms. And on this April 1st, God blessed me with all of that plus boisterous frogs and grazing deer, some with rounded tummies. Soon we'll have spotted, wobbly legged fawns standing alongside their mothers. I love spring!

April is also a time when I think of Christ--His death and resurrection. Easter usually falls sometime during the month of April. Like spring, Christ offers hope and promises of better days.

When April arrives life seems rich with hope and it speaks of warm summer days to come. A date can't promise anything, but there's something about sunshine and the sweet smell of cut grass that helps us leave behind the frigid winter. Like the seasons we have our bitter times, and then the Son comes out and brings brighter days with Him.

I'm making plans for a garden this year and I can't wait to get my fingers in the dirt. I love to be part of the miracle of new life.

How do you feel about this day? Did you prank someone? Do some gardening? Or are you making plans for the upcoming summer? No matter what, I pray you've had a special April 1st and that you even managed to pull a prank or two on someone you know.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- New Every Morning

Have you ever wished you could go back and do something over--do it right--do it better? When you're hit by the reality that you can't go back it can be downright painful. I had a moment like that this morning. Tears were quick to come--I wanted another chance.

Sadly, life cannot be rewound. Opportunites for do-overs just don't come along very often. And sometimes I'm sure if we could go back and "fix" something we might actually be messing everything up. God may want things to be just as they are. We have lots to learn and getting something wrong the first time can go a long way toward growing us up.

No matter where we find ourselves, we're here. And we've got to begin right where we are.

As I think on this the verses from Lamentations 3:22-23 come to mind. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." And Psalm 30:5 says, "For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

I love these verses. They're filled with mercy, love and hope. We can weep over wrong decisions, lost opportunities or wasted moments, but after the weepiing is over, we begin again. Every morning we awaken to a day filled with God's love, forgiveness and new opportunities.

May we rejoice for the gift of today.

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

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Grieve

Living triumphantly and grieving may seem like an odd partnership, but one cannot happen without the other.

Let's be honest, life is filled with heartaches and disappointments that leave us wounded. Mourning is part of the cure. We grieve the death of a loved one, or let loose of a dream, or face the loss of health or innocence. I've had my share of grief, and I've discovered if I don't allow myself to sorrow the ache hangs like a stone around my neck.

There are steps to grieving that we need to walk through. However, before we can begin we must give ourselves permission to mourn, even the things we think shouldn't be a big deal.

Today is one of those days. I'm grieving the loss of a dream. Nearly three years ago, my daughter and her family moved into our home. We dreamed of spending years together here on our mountaintop. A lot has happened since that time. And today, my daughter who is now a single mother is moving. My mind and heart are filled with images of the early days--the family working together, preparing the garden patch, designing and building an additional home, planning for our future. Those were good days.

Life doesn't always turn out the way we hope. When my family and I set out on this adventure God knew about today. And He knows about tomorrow.

Although my daughter and grandchildren aren't moving far away I'm sad and teary. There have been so many precious gifts to living side by side--early morning coffee chats with my daughter, grandchildren stopping in for an afternoon snack or a goodnight kiss and hug. Today, all that will change and as the boxes march out of the house next door they mark the end of a dream.

I'm certain God has a new plan for me and for my family. I'm confident that we'll be fine. Life will be good. But today and maybe tomorrow I will grieve. And even though it may seem silly, it's okay.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven."

Don't feel you must always be strong and reasonable. Sometimes crying is good and called for. And there are times when you need to rage against life. Do it and then . . . move forward and begin again. God will walk with you.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- New Beginnings

Sometimes we feel as if we're at the end. Our mind tells us that it’s over, the fun, the excitement, maybe even our life. But, there is always tomorrow.

Today while reading my Utmost For His Highest I was struck by something Oswald Chambers said. “Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ. Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with him.”

Beautiful, encouraging, exciting words! There is always tomorrow. Let’s not languish in past failures or misfortunes. Do not let the quagmire of today, hold you down. Instead, step out with hope and expectation anticipating whatever God has in store. Our circumstances may shout at us, saying we have no hope and no future, but circumstances lie. With God there is always hope. There is always another day. Even when we face our last day on earth eternity waits. There is no end, only new beginnings.

And so as the New Year fades, I embrace today and tomorrow. I look forward to what God has in store for me, His child. He promises to walk every step with me and with you. Look to your left, look to your right, look behind you—He is there. We are never alone.

God directs our paths. Listen to Him and believe. Step out with shouting and with joy. There is so much still ahead. It's a new day.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie