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

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Sometimes we need someone with skin.

Years ago, when my sister was going through a life threatening illness and a tremendous personal trial, she spent hours in prayer and in God's Word. She recorded her thoughts in a journal. When she shared them with me I was amazed at the Holy Spirit power and the faith within her words. As I read I was reminded of the book of Psalms. And yet, one night when we were talking she broke down in tears and said, that although her trust in God was strong and that he'd carried her through the greatest hurts and trials of her life, that there were times when she needed someone with skin.

Through the years, those words have stayed with me. And in recent weeks I've been wrestling with my own physical challenges and life-changing decisions. I've spent a good deal of time in God's Word and in prayer, but still peace eluded me. I needed flesh and blood people to help me sort out my thoughts. I met with and talked to a few very special people, friends who know me well and who walk close to God, people I knew would speak truth to me and whom I could trust.

I have a way to go in finding my answers but I am at peace. I know God will show me the way. And it is the voices, insights and Godly wisdom of my dear friends who have been a great help. I am incredibly grateful for their prayers and sincere counsel.

It is a blessing to witness God working through Christian family. We are meant to minister to one another. Just the thought makes me smile.

If you find yourself in a place where you need "someone with skin" please don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. That's why God placed us in the midst of his family. We can breathe life into one another.

May you know His peace, glorious peace!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips for Triumphant Living--Soaking and Souring?

Marcus Antonius said, “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.”

My mother used to make what some considered to be “the best pickles”. I never did understand why. They weren’t my favorite food. It doesn’t make sense to pick fresh, crisp cucumbers and soak them in brine until they turn soft and sour. Some say that soaking and souring changes a fresh vegetable into something delicious. I don’t agree, at least not in this instance.

We humans also soak and sour. How you ask? By dwelling on the negative. How often have we set our minds on a wrong done to us or a mistake we ourselves have committed. What good comes from deliberately pondering on the destructive things in life? I can’t think of even one instance when it made something better.

Philippians chapter four, verses 8-9 says, Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Paul’s words couldn’t be more clear. The dwelling we do should be on the excellent things in life. We need to get our minds off ourselves, off our circumstances and on God’s goodness. This kind of thinking can transform us from someone who soaks and sours to someone who lives with a heart full of praise.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie