OOPH

Ooph seems like a silly title for a blog, but it's what I feel right now. It is day ten since my surgery. I am grateful for a competent, dedicated surgeon and all the medical professionals who helped care for me before and after surgery. But ... I have to admit to hoping I'd be a little further along at this point. Still, I am glad to say that I am moving forward and getting a little better each day.

I can't wait to feel "normal" again. I hope soon. However, I'm doing my best to behave myself and living within my healing restrictions.

It seems a good time for reflection. What have I learned thus far?

• Praying friends REALLY help. SO much went right, and I could feel the kindness of those praying for me and the situation.
• A relationship with The Father goes a long way when facing a giant. I was especially aware of His presence when I was wheeled into the operating room and knew none of what was about to take place had anything to do with me. It was all in God's hands.
• Good health comes at a cost, but ill-health brings a much greater toll. We need to take good care of ourselves. I'm educating myself so I can do a better job.
• Worry is not helpful. During the months awaiting surgery I made a concerted effort to keep worrisome thoughts at bay. I practiced NOT THINKING about my cancer and the "what-if's" that came with it. Peace was always close at hand.
• God is good and is always watching out for us. The tumor was growing while I was unaware, but God knew. Getting an MRI on my back was not an accident. The timing was perfect, pointing out the presence of that ugly little hitchhiker.

Psalm 91:14 - 15 says, "The Lord says, I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them."

Praise the Lord.

I have a way to go before I can get back to my garden, which in another few weeks, will simply be closing it down for the winter and preparing the beds for next season. I missed a few weeks harvesting time, but I'm happy with what I accomplished this summer and look forward to next year's season.

In six months, I will have a scan to make sure the cancer is gone for good. I'm already practicing perfecting my focus - trusting God. I am in His capable hands as are you.

Gracee and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon

Grazing

While chatting with a friend of mine recently I mentioned that I'd become a grazer. Actually grazing isn't something new for me. I've been grazing through my kitchen for years. 

Hah! Actually, not funny.

I never thought of grazing in the context of my time with the Lord. During this quieter, though stressful era of Covid-19, I've been grazing with God. We've been hanging out together a lot.

Many times I've heard people say they are unable to find time to spend with God. Their lives are hectic and too busy. Like them, I've told myself that even though I know it's not all together true. There is always time for what we value most.

I still relish deep study, the meat and potatoes of my spiritual walk. However, sometimes long periods of study feel like a hurdle, and I'm convinced I don't have the time or stamina so I don't try. On those kinds of days it's time to find another tactic. 

During these Covid days I'm often distracted - therefore the grazing, taking smaller bites of time with The Father. And just as sheep graze in the fields with a shepherd watching over them, I find the Lord always present, close to me and ready for a chat.

He is with me during my daily devotional time and while I watch podcasts created by those who share their spiritual insights. I even find the Lord in notes sent to me by friends. He responds to my whispered prayers. He accompanies me on my strolls through my timbered neighborhood. And He always waits for me in His Word. He is never not with me.

I am comforted by the words in Psalm 139 that say, "I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence!"

There are so many ways to find time for God. In the very beginning of time man and woman walked with God and talked with God in the garden. What a blessed time that must have been. 

Though we live in a sin-stained world God still wants to spend time with us. He doesn't say we must cut out an hour or more from each day to study and pray, but He does say we are to seek Him and spend time with Him. We can do that. 

Like a shepherd who watches over his sheep God is always watching over us and when we reach out, there He will be. And if we wander off we can be assured He will find us.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

A Better Way?

It seems that society today believes it's good to judge others (according to our own set of values of course), to blast someone who doesn't agree with us without forethought or kindness, and to wallop them by whatever means seems appropriate to us at the time.

We see a lot of this on social media - Facebook, Twitter. We even see it on our streets. My daughter lived in Portland, Oregon for a while and she avoided any trips downtown because she was afraid. At that time, there were demonstrations on a pretty regular basis and sometimes they got violent. How sad it is to be fearful to venture out into our own town.

The meanness and cruelty I see in this world grieves me. It hurts my heart. And if I were to compare the size off my heart to God's ... well, mine is very small, which makes me wonder what does all this hatred feel like to him?

Do we truly believe it's all right to make a judgment about a person on the basis of race, creed, gender, or political position ... and any other number of groups? The point is judging by a category is small-minded and cruel. God is the only one who can judge. He's the only one who can see into a person's heart. He knows us like no one else can.

John 13:35 says this, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

When others watch how we live, would they know we are followers of Christ? Or do we look like the world? Do we pass the "smell test"? Actually, we never will. Even the apostle Paul recognized the evilness in his own heart. In I Timothy 1:15 he said, "This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners - And I was the worst sinner of them all."

We are all going too fail. I mess up all the time. I get riled up or hurt and I lash out. I can be cranky and strike out at an innocent bystander. I can get passionate about something and say more than I should. 

We do need to be fair minded with one another. But that does not mean we can't speak up. Christ did. He spoke truth. He even got angry. Of course, where we go wrong is when we allow these emotions to fester into hatred and bitterness.

We're not going to walk through life perfectly. If we could then there would be no need for a Savior. What my heart is crying out is - Can't we try harder? Spend more time with the Lord, give the Holy Spirit freedom to work in our lives, Love the Lord above all others (including ourselves)? If we do that, our walk will improve. And the way we live may even speak to a lost and hurting world. We could make a difference.

Let's begin by praying for one another. I challenge you to choose someone who is difficult for you to love. Pray for them whenever they come to mind. You will see a difference, maybe not in them, but in yourself.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Steadfast - Guest Blogger Paula Mowery

I'm always excited for Wednesdays because it means I get to have a guest blogger. This week it's Paula Mowery and she has an insightful perspective on the valley of the shadow of death. 

Welcome, Paula.

Paula Mowery is an award-winning author, acquisitions editor, speaker, and pastor’s wife. Her published books include two women’s fiction titles and two Christian romances with two other contracted titles due out in 2015. She is a member of ACFW and is on their Featured Author interview team. Her devotions have been included in the published collections, Sweet Freedom A La Mode, Fear Not, and A Walk Through The Valley as well as various blogs. She writes for The Christian Online Magazine where she shares book reviews of her latest favorites in Christian fiction.
 You can connect with Paula through her blog, www.paulamowery.blogspot.com, where other social media links are provided.

Holding Steadfast With A Prayer

My husband is a pastor, so I am used to phone calls at all hours of the day and night. However, I wasn’t prepared for the call he received one Sunday afternoon as we were eating lunch. 

I thought the voice I could barely hear on the other end was my brother which was confirmed when my husband ended the cell phone call. He informed me that my father had suddenly been unable to speak right after their church’s worship service. He actually drove he and my mother home, not stopping for their normal restaurant lunch. 

When my mother questioned my father and found him unresponsive, she called my brother who advised her to rush him to the nearest ER and he would meet them there. 

I stayed home from church that evening awaiting word. I live an hour away from my parents but prepared to rush down if I was needed, but I held off. After praying for God to take care of my dad, I had a peace about waiting. 

Within two hours, my dad’s speech began to return. He was kept overnight and tests were run. The verdict was a bloodclot went directly to that speech center in the back of the brain. He had no lasting effects. 

Later that evening my dad talked with me on the phone. He described how strange it was to not be able to speak but be fully cognizant of what others were saying. He knew how he wanted to respond but just couldn’t vocalize it. 

I have often told others that I don’t know how unbelievers get through difficult or scary situations like this. I truly don’t. But, I knew that my prayers for my father were heard and just as effective whether an hour away or in the same room. Prayer allowed me to have a peace in Who was in control no matter the outcome. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I've had to build on my trust in God. But, He has always proved faithful. That is not to say that in every bad situation everything has turned out fine. Sometimes I’ve had to trust Him to bring a person through surgery, recovery, or even chemotherapy. Yet, He has never left me. I've always felt Him near, comforting and encouraging. 

The Psalmist tells us in the 23rd Psalm that even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, God is with us. What does this show me? There’s going to be dark times we must endure. But, did you notice it is a shadow? I love this imagery. When was the last time a shadow did you any harm? We can get through because God has promised His presence and the Psalmist plainly states that we walk through. There’s no camping out in that dark valley. God sees us through to the other side. 

My dad is just fine and back to all of his normal activities which means I have another responsibility. Time to praise and thank God for bringing us through that short valley and for teaching me more about trusting Him.  


What a beautiful perspective. We really don't have to fear the shadows. Thank you, Paula.

Legacy and Love

Free to one of you!

The Prayer Shawl

Sean Holland is a magazine reporter always looking for the next story. Hope Weaver is a pediatric nurse who shares Christ through making prayer shawls. The shawls are just the touchy-feely story Sean needs, even though he’ll have to endure Hope’s strong Christian beliefs to get it. An unexpected connection brings them together as a couple. But, can they find love if they don’t share their faith?


Inheritance

Alex Lyndon’s life has been a series of fits and starts with no finishes. She finds herself jobless and divorced. Now her only family, Granny Olivia, is critically ill.

Chase Carson had to step into running the family business when his father died. The time is past due to visit Miss Olivia.

Alex and Chase must go on a treasure hunt. Will each find purpose and love for their lives in the process?

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of Legacy and Love just leave a comment and your email address so we can contact you. I'll draw the winner's name next Wednesday.

Last week's winner of On the Threshold is ... Shannon. Congratulations!

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Thankful?

I was not having a good start to my day when I sat down to read my Bible this morning. It was one of those days when my body felt like it had a giant toothache, plus life has been extra stressful recently. I'd started reading a devotion when my daughter sent me a text. Soon we were in a text conversation. We were both having a bad morning. So we got to talking about God and prayer ... and thankfulness.

By the time we said good-bye, I felt better. We'd both prayed for one another and decided that being thankful was a good way to begin our day. 

I went to some scriptures about thankfulness.

Hebrews 12:26, 27 says, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." 

Wow. We get are part of God's kingdom!

I went on to Ephesians 5:20, which says, Always giving thans to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Everything? Really? 

If God is watching out for us and we have entrusted out lives to him, then we can thank him for everything. He sees the beginning and the end and always knows what's best for us all. And I don't see any scripture that says we should be thankful only when life is going exactly the way we want. Sometimes the most beautiful parts of life come wrapped in plain brown paper.

I decided to begin this morning with thanksgiving. 

My first thought was about church yesterday. It was so beautiful to be there with my family. Sarah and Kelly and their five children sat with my mother and my husband -- they took up nearly the entire front row. I am SO thankful that we were there together worshiping God.

This morning when I sat in my comfy chair in my bedroom, Bible in hand, I looked out on a green forest, spattered with the colors of autumn and with an azure blue sky as a background. I am SO thankful for God The Creator, the grandest of all artists.

And the best - time with my daughter. Time to pray for one another. I am SO thankful for her friendship and our shared faith.

As it turns out, all that thankfulness made me feel better. My pain is still present, but doesn't feel unbearable anymore, and I am looking forward to a day filled with surprises and blessings.

What are you thankful for?

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

The Journey - To Face Book or Not to Facebook

God can use anyone or anything to reach out to His people. Even something like Facebook.

This has been one horrific week, but one of the bright spots has come from a surprising place - Facebook. Yep. Facebook. 

Eek! Don't shoot me yet! Read on. . .

I've been part of Facebook for several years and along the way I've heard a lot of criticism about the site. I've added some of my own. And it's true, when misused Facebook can be a destructive tool. But mostly I've loved the service. I have lots of family and friends who live far away and Facebook offers a great way to stay in touch. It also makes it easy for me to connect with readers and other writers.

This week I have been the recipient of one of the most beautiful gifts Facebook offers - Prayer - Support - Encouragement.

March 22nd, my grandson was in a serious ATV accident. When he was life-flighted to Portland I didn't know if I'd ever see him again - at least not until heaven.

I'm happy to say he's still with us. He's been through a lot and has a long way to go, but he's going to make it. When he came out of surgery one of the doctors told my daughter he didn't know why Ezra was still alive. 

I know why. God has a plan for his life and death wasn't part of it . . . not yet anyway. God saved him, and I know He heard all the prayers that were and are being said for Ezra. 

As people found out what was happening word got out and the news spread. A lot of that news traveled via Facebook. A friend set up a special page for him called Blessings for Ezra. It's a place to send encouraging notes and to get updates on his condition.

Through the hard days (and there are still lots more to come) people prayed. In part because of Facebook, people around the globe have prayed. They lifted up our family and they lifted Ezra up to God. Words of encouragement, scripture verses and prayers flew across the miles and into our hearts. We have received a tidal wave of emotional and spiritual support. 

I liked Facebook before, but now I love it. And I love all of you who cared enough to pray. And those who contacted us - Thank you. You have helped us stand up under this heavy burden.

I don't know about you, but I hope Facebook hangs around for a long time. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

Thoughts For Today -- The Journey

I'm in the middle of transition and trying to find my way along a new path. I don't like some of the changes in my life and my natural response is to fight against them. But I'm not so sure that's what I'm supposed to do. Perhaps God has another plan, one that does not come from my own desires but His.

I can be stubborn and self-centered. I'm sure if you talked with  my mother she'd have plenty of stories to tell. And my husband would have even more. But stubbornness when bent under the will of God is strength. If that is the case, then I'd best relent and bow to God's will--Get over it and get on with life.

It sounds simple, but for someone like me it's difficult. Sometimes when I look back at who I used to be and what my life once looked like my heart breaks. Life was made of up of adventures, fun with friends, a household filled with the laughter and activities of children. And a body that hadn't let me down . . . yet.

So recently I've been praying and seeking and I've been crying. Yes, crying. But you know, crying isn't a bad thing, God gave us tears for a reason. We just don't want to get sucked down into self-pity, which serves no one. I know God holds my life in His great big, strong hand. His will is the right way, always, and if I seek Him He will show me the path I am to walk.

Right now I feel like the character "Much Afraid" in the book Hinds Feet In High Places. She traversed cliff  sides, mountain tops and deep valleys and she was afraid. Unlike her, I know the end of the story, which gives me courage and hope. Her journey was long and arduous, but in the end she found a glorious new life. 

Stepping forward I am a bit fearful, but I'm holding up God's shield of faith to fight off the fiery darts being flung at me from the enemy. And remembering the He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. Together, God and I will stand. And I'm excited for what is to come. When the enemy attacks I can be certain the Lord is up to something spectacular.

Satan is alive and well in this world. We see that truth every day in the lives of our neighbors, in the news, on our streets and in our families. We need to pray and uplift one another. And remember that God wins. He has already won. Satan just doesn't get that . . . yet.

I ask that you pray for me and I will pray for you. If you have something you need prayer for and feel comfortable sharing here please do--prayer is a powerful weapon against evil. If you would like to send me a private  prayer request just hit the contact button and send me a message. I promise to pray for you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Thoughts For Today -- Letting Go

It is only one day until the national and state elections. I am something of a political junkie. I take being informed and voting seriously. And I admit to sometimes having strong opinions and carrying around too much anxiety about voting outcomes. I worry about my local district, my state and my country.

BUT . . . WORRY NEVER GOT ANYONE ANYWHERE.

I believe in the sovereignty of God. He is in control. However, I know that he did not fashion puppets when he created human-beings and that throughout history mankind has gone astray, standing willfully against their Creator. So, I know we can get "it" wrong.

However, even when we make mistakes God is with us. He does not abandon us. And he can bring goodness even from what was intended for evil.

And so I am doing my best to release my angst to him. The outcome of this election is not up to me. I've done all that I feel I've been asked to do. And though in speaking out I've tried to remain respectful, I have been unfriended by some. That makes me kind of sad. But God never said, obedience would be easy or even pleasant.

Whomever wins the presidential election, I look forward to moving beyond these days and serving God wherever and however he directs me.

Please pray for one another. Pray for the candidates. And pray for our country.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Update

It's been a while since I posted here and thought an update was over due.

Eleven days ago, we received a phone call that threw my family into the midst of tragedy. The journey actually began four and a half months ago when my mother underwent open heart surgery. At age 87 we knew it was going to be a rough recovery, but had no idea just how difficult.

Mom came through the surgery well, but when a staph infection set in she had to fight for her life and has spent months in a nursing home. Always beside her was her husband Orville, better known as Trigger(a nickname given to him as a child). Trigger was there every day, helping in anyway he could.

Saturday, the 11th, he died from heart failure. It was not what we'd expected. He's always been so strong and healthy, but with the stress of my mother's illness and his age (85) it was possibly too much for him. And we must remember God's sovereignty, His plan--something He understands even when we don't. It is not for us to question, but Trigger's entrance into heaven leaves behind so many who love him.

This week as been filled with practical necessities, memorials, time with friends and family and time to honor Trigger and his life, and an effort to help my mother make necessary transitions. We've made arrangements to move her closer to family in Roseburg, Oregon while in the midst of memorial services, grief, and illness. We've been packing up their lives into boxes and will be heading south two days from now.

Our hearts are heavy, Mom is trying hard to do what she must. This is extremely painful for us all, yet we are thankful for God's presence. We are hanging onto the Lord's hand and moving forward one step at a time.

Your prayers are needed, especially for Trigger's son, Marshall and my mother, Elsa. Please hold them up in prayer.

Bless you.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day -- Sarah Palin Says No.

Sarah said it's a no-go. She's not going to run. There have been several "No's" recently--Sarah, Chris Christie, Marco Rubio and others. Palin and Christie both sighted family as part of their reason for not running. Is there something that's keeping good people out of the race? Could it be intolerance, unfair practices by the press and a toxic public atmosphere? Could it be ambushes, assaults and outright lies that hold good candidates back?

What happened to Sarah Palin from the day she stepped into the race as the vice presidential candidate in 2008 until this day is abuse, plain and simple. Where were the voices of reason and honor? Why was the brutality allowed?

I don't blame Sarah Palin for staying out of the fight this time around. But it makes me sad that someone who could have brought another dimension to the election was bullied out of it. Frankly, the fetid atmosphere in American politics makes me sick to my stomach.

We've all watched it blasted over the television news and listened to it on the airwaves. Bashing others seems to be the new normal. I understand how it happens. We think we're right and they're wrong and we get so wrapped up in our own view that the end justifies the means. It's easy to be dragged into the fray and start blasting others. No one is immune.

Please don't misunderstand. I'm all for peaceful protests and showing up at town hall meetings where we can ask our questions or share our perspectives. Honest disagreement and discussion of real issues is good, in fact we need to do more of it. But when we wade into the cesspool of deceit, verbal brutality and treachery we become the enemy and that is not the way to win a war. We need to be smarter, more determined and committed to what is right.

We must hang on to our integrity.

Our job is to pray, be informed, pray, discuss the issues, pray and then pray some more. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 says this, "Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a 'fool' so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness."

Be wise in the spirit. And then on election day cast your vote. It is the reasonable thing to do and it is one of the greatest privileges we possess as Americans. I'm proud to be an American. How about you?


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God: Is He Big Enough?

I have a prayer book. It's just a tablet that I've divided into days of the week. I pray for certain needs on different days and I have a section for special needs that a pray for everyday. In the back of my booklet I have answered prayers listed. They are a wonderful reminder when I'm feeling discouraged and wondering what's up or where's God?

Today is Monday and as I usually do I started down my list of prayer needs. When I came across a particular person I've been praying for, for quite some time without any outward evidence of change, I felt a niggle of doubt. Could God really change this person? Maybe it was time to remove him from my requests.

The Holy Spirit caught me up right away, reminding me that nothing is too difficult for God. I know the person I'm praying for has a free will of his own, but God isn't about to give up on him and neither should I.

This issue of prayer is something of a mystery to me. I know God knows it all, that He doesn't need me, but. . . He tells me to pray. I know that my time with Him is enriching and His Word says He wants to spend time with me. But . . . as to answered prayer--that's up to God. All I can do is what He asks of me--to pray. And so I do.

We all have needs, hopes and dreams. We pray and sometimes it feels like God isn't listening or He doesn't care. But God always answers with either a yes, a no or wait. We need to accept His will. He always knows best.

In the matter of this young man I'm praying for I know I'm praying God's will because I'm asking that he fall in love with Jesus and accept Him as Savior. God's Word is clear about that--He wishes that none would perish.

I will continue to pray and hope that one day this young man will see that God loves Him so deeply that He gave His own Son for him. The moment he believes, he will become a new creation and there will be rejoicing in heaven.

Just like this young man, I was once lost, thinking I had no value, no purpose. And then I met Christ. I'd been longing for Him, only I didn't know He was what I needed. I never told anyone how alone I felt. But a good friend had the courage to share the truth with me and I was changed. Now my life is filled with the love of God and the hope He offers. I wonder who was praying for me.

Thank you dear saint for your faithfulness. I'm never alone, never lost and always under the Shepherd's care.

Do you have something or someone you've been praying for and it seems God's not listening? He is. He knows our thoughts, our dreams and passions and He understands our hearts.

He loves us.

Trust Him.

Keep praying.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Prayer

My last entry was a heart felt and passionate letter from a woman who fears for her country. Like her, I’m deeply concerned. And although it’s imperative that we stand up for what we believe, we must first pray—for one another, for our leaders, for our president.

Prayer is something of a puzzle to me. Certainly God can do exactly as He chooses when He chooses, and yet He tells us to pray. I know that speaking to God draws me closer to Him. Obviously prayer has a lot to do with our relationship. However, there are examples in the Bible where God didn’t move until His people prayed. I am convicted by 2nd Chronicles 7:14 where He says, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” I believe this. God does not lie.

There is a word tucked inside this verse we dare not overlook. It is the word THEN. Then is an important word in scripture. It often follows the idea of, "if you—then I will". Simply wanting change isn’t enough to bring it about. God states that we must be humble, pray, seek Him and turn from our wicked ways—then He will forgive us and restore our land.

So much of God is a mystery to me. I don’t know exactly how He plans to work out His will in my life and in the lives of those I love, but I do know that His Word is true and I’d best heed what He has to say.

And so . . . I pray that I will be humble in all my ways. I pray I will seek God with a heart that longs for Him above all else. And I pray His goodness will prevail over my wickedness. And I pray that those who are called by His Name will pray for our country. God will not abandon us if we do not abandon Him.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie