Quiet Moments With God - God With Us

"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means, God with us."

Each Christmas season I watch the movie The Nativity. Each time is like the first. I discover truths I haven't seen before. Tonight, was the same. 

I am in awe of God's providence - overwhelmed by the gift of his son who was given for us. We do not deserve such a gift, but God offers mercy and grace even to the least of us.

I am amazed at the response of a young girl, who said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." Mary said yes to God, knowing it could cost her life.

What an honorable man was Joseph who accepted an unbelievable truth about his virgin wife and bravely stepped into the role of husband and protector of Mary and the child called Jesus.

If any of them had refused, what then? I believe God can do all things and would provided a way. But how blessed are those who obey the will of God.

God is good all the time. His will is true and right ... always.

May you know his grace and peace this Christmas season and always.

Bonnie

  

Quiet Moments With God - The Feast

God uses whatever is handy to speak to our hearts. This morning, it was my dog Misty. 

She loves to eat. When it's dinner time, she joyfully bounces back and forth through the house. She looks kind of silly, but I get it. I love to eat too.

She also loves treats. And this morning my little girl, paced up to me, followed me everywhere I went, and made it known, she was thinking about a treat.

I knew what she wanted. But thought I'd string her along for a few minutes. She didn't give up because she knew where to get what she was hungry for.

I acted as if I didn't know what she was after. I chatted
and gave her a few pats, but she wanted to know
if I was going to give her what she wanted most.

Finally I asked, "Do you want a treat?" 

She was all ears then. She knows those words.

When I finally got up and walked to the pantry where
her dog treats are stored, she knew it was going to be
a good morning. With her stump of a tail wagging at 
hyper speed, she raced me there, then sat at my feet
and waited, quivering with anticipation.
I rewarded her with what she wanted and off she
went, her morning brighter than before.

Misty is easily motivated by food. We can get her to do almost anything if we offer her a treat. 

I'm kind of like Misty. I'm also easily motivated by food. But the kind of food that makes a real difference is the kind the Lord provides - God's Word.  It make life easier, brighter. I can always trust in it and in its author. His Word is truth and always satisfies. It has the power to change my life and the lives of those around me.

I want to be like Misty - persistent, seeking, and excited about the feast

I'm hungry. Are you?

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

Quiet Moments With God - Out of a Pit

Today was rough, and I was up during the night, troubled. I decided to spend time in God's Word, a place where he often meets with me. I took my Bible and went out on my deck and sat down. With darkness all around I read, while boisterous crickets serenaded me. I knew the Lord was all I needed, I longed to tuck myself in close to him, beneath his arms where I'd feel his presence, his peace and am reminded how much he loves and cares for me.

I started reading in Psalm 40. The first three verses say this, "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the  mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."

What a precious verses. My eyes felt the sting of tears. All I needed to do was reach out and take his hand.

     I needed him and ...
          he turned to me and heard my cry. (Wow, he heard me)
          He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and mire. (Free of the mire weighing me down)
          He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me.(My father walks alongside a toddler and helps.)
          He gave me a new song to sing. I will praise him.(Precious, merciful Lord. Praise you!)

     Many will see what he has done and they will trust in the Lord.

Do you live in a dark place? Have you lived in such a place? You don't have to possess enough strength to lift yourself out of that place of despair. Reach out to the Lord and he will take your hand, pull you up, and set you on solid ground, then watch over you there. You never have to be alone - never forsaken.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie



   

Quiet Moments With God - Where You Are

Warning - Transparency Alert




I struggle with fear from time to time. Yesterday was one of those days. While watching a program on television I dozed off. I woke up to a scene of a family playing in a water park and my response was not one you'd expect. Instead of enjoying the scene of a happy family, I was struck by a wrenching thought - I will never be able to do anything like that again. 

I was afraid. Were the best of my days behind me? Were my greatest joys and triumphs a part of my past only?

Sorrow swept in. I had expected more from myself, from my body. I'm sixty-two and in today's world that's really not all that old, except that my body feels old. 

The damage began in 1991 when the van I was driving was hit by a log truck (a story for another day). The accident left me disabled and since then I've struggled to remain active. Pain can be a tough adversary. Sometimes I get tired of the battle and don't want to fight any more. 

Most of my physical difficulties stem from the accident, but some of it is purely my fault. I haven't taken good care of this body God calls a temple. And of course age does have some negative qualities that we all live with.

I need to see, to know in my gut that there's more to my life than pain, suffering, tears and fear and to be reminded that God is in the  middle of it. And today when I went to Him, fearful and needy, He was there. He always is. 

He turned a light on His truth. The real truth, which is that the Lord came to set me free, from sin and death but also from things like fear, hopelessness and feelings of worthlessness. He told me to stop listening to the voices in my head and the lies of the enemy. My life is not over until it's over. There is still much to be done. 

And from the midst of my morning devotional reading these words leaped out. "As you follow me, I lead you along paths of newness, ways you have never imagined."

Wow! That sounds exciting. It doesn't sound at all like I've been put out to pasture. 

John 8:31 - 32 says this, "If you abide in My Word you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free."

My body may not allow me to do everything I want (whose does). But the Lord sets me free to live and serve and to experience new life every day. There is so much joy and peace waiting for me, if only I will set my heart upon Christ and upon the truth of God's Word.

I know that what I'm sharing is not foreign to you. For the Word says "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man." We're all in this together. We all understand what it is to be fearful, or to be angry and to lash out in that anger or put up a shield against our sorrows. We also know a lot about courage, joy and jubilation.

I pray for you - that you will know the joy and peace of the Lord, no matter what circumstances you find yourself. For where you are, there He is also.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - What Is Your Focal Point?

I settled into my reading chair this morning and asked the Lord to speak to me. He is always faithful and I will hear . . . if I'm listening. Today as my eyes went to 2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18 His Word gave me strength.

"Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

My mind returned to the birth of my new grandson. The memory is still close. My daughter's labor became so intense she started to believe she couldn't do it, couldn't make it through even one more contraction. Frantic, she asked us to help her find a focal point. She needed something to set her eyes on that would help her mind contemplate on something other than the pain.

In our sometimes difficult lives, we share the same plight. We need to contemplate on something other than our pain. The Lord in His grace offers us a focal point. We are to fix our eyes on what is unseen - the Lord. But He is not really invisible to us. He reveals Himself in the glory of creation, in the hearts of His followers, and even in the sweet fragrance of new life. 

Do not lose heart, focus on the things of the Lord and you will be filled with the peace of God and the certainty of eternal glory.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Friends Forever

"Friends are friends forever, if the Lord is the Lord of them . . ." So goes the Michael W. Smith song. The first time I heard it I was at a MOPS meeting. It's been one of my favorites ever since. But, is it true?

Colossians 3:15 says, "Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace." 

We are to live together. Clearly, life is meant to be shared.

Too many of us miss the blessed gift of friendship. There are lots of reasons why, but none of them are good. Most of my life I've had special friends. Through the years, we've shared many great moments and had so much fun. We've done silly stuff and stood together through turbulent seas. Some of my friends I've had since grade school. Though I rarely see them these days my love for these long-time friends has not weakened. But distant friendships is not enough - not if we're supposed to share our lives as the Lord says we are.

Years ago at a home group meeting a question was posed. "How many of you spend time with a friend on a regular basis?" Not one person out of the group of eighteen or twenty people raised their hand, and that included me. The painful truth hit me between the eyes and I vowed to make a change. But the days slipped by and I forgot about that promise.

When I damaged my back further by lifting a thirty-five pound puppy I spent a week in the hospital and months trying to regain the strength and mobility to get back in motion. I'm still working on it. I was unable to join in the fun activities of my church and gradually my friends drifted away.

It's not really their fault. It's mine. Though I couldn't do what I used to do, I could have been more hospitable and invited friends in. But I didn't. There are lots of reasons, some of them valid, but in the end I lost something of great value. 

In recent days it seems that wherever I turn I'm reminded of the importance of friendship. It was made clear to me that rebuilding my friendships is up to me. And so, I've begun. And I've had some lovely encounters with dear friends. I plan to have more. 

Friendships are like spring flowers that add life and color after the chill of winter. They are like cooling raindrops on a parched summer day. We need one another. God has designed us to live together. Reach out, nourish your friendships, rebuild old ones and discover new ones. You won't be sorry.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - A Life Line

Have you ever felt like you were drowning - in responsibility, grief, physical or emotional pain? You are worn out, worn down, empty. How do you push on? Should you?

I am in that place.

I cry out to God. Tears are ever near, but I know He will hold me, uplift me. I know He has not brought me to this place without purpose. Once again I am reminded that He alone can save me and the ones I love.

Today, He led me to Psalm 91:1 - 4. "Those who live in the shelter of the Most high will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection."

I close my eyes and breathe deeply of His presence. He is here . . . beside, before me. There is no place I can go from His presence. And though the days are difficult I do not travel through them alone. But . . . He asks one thing of me - hang onto the lifeline He provides and trust in His strength. 

Trust, now there's a word. This season in my life is one more opportunity to receive a deeper understanding of what it really means to trust in God. I praise Him above all things.  

Praise Him . . . always.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Do you need a bit and bridle?

I think mules are so cute. But I'd rather not be compared to one.

This morning when I sat down and read my morning devotional, Jesus Calling, the words on the page nudged me. I went to the suggested scripture reading and that's when I found out more about mules.

Psalm 32:8-11 says this, "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control. Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust the Lord. So rejoice in the Lord and be glad, all you who obey him! Shout for joy, all you whose hearts are pure!"

Do any of you feel like a mule that needs a bit and bridle? I hate to admit it, but I do . . . too often. Did you notice the part that says mules are senseless? Sigh. I know when I read that, that God is referring to people like me who get stubborn and want their own way. 

There was a time when self discipline (God's discipline) was one of my strengths. Now, most days, I struggle to do what I know is best for me. I am truly grateful for God's mercy, but I understand that being merciful doesn't always release me from the consequences of my sin. God wants better for me - if only I would obey. His Word says He will advise me and watch over me, and that He doesn't want me to be like a senseless horse or mule. 

It goes on to say that disobedience brings sorrow. But adds that those who obey will be surrounded with His unfailing love. What a beautiful promise. I'm so thankful for His love.

My life is good, but it could be better, richer, sweeter. He offers each of us SO much . . . if only we will listen. 

God has a BEST for me. He has a BEST for you.

This morning, I pray for ears that will hear and a heart that submits to His tender guidance. And I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ will not have to be bridled, but will find freedom and joy in obedience, knowing that Jesus is Lord of all.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie   

Quiet Moments With God - In the Middle of a Muddle

Sometimes our days seem to be filled with decisions. We have choices - what will I have for breakfast - which book should I read next - do I really want to watch American Idol? Of course having choices is better than not having choices. And the ones I've mentioned don't affect our lives much one way or the other, but there are decisions that are truly major and even life changing.

Just as no two people are the same, neither are the ways in which we make decisions. Take baking a cake, for instance. Some like to weigh and measure every ingredient while others simply toss in the elements and trust that the results will be good.

I live somewhere in the middle of those two options. Probably most of us do. However, I presently find myself befuddled. I've got a relatively big decision to make about a writing project, one I've invested hundreds of hours of my time. The results of all my hard work were not what my agent or I had expected and now I need to decide what to do about what we both feel is an amazing story. 

At this point, all I know to do is to talk to God about it. I think back to the day when I felt called to this project. I was certain it was the Lord's will for me, but like us all my heart and mind can be misled. No matter how I got here I am in a quandary.

Wrestling through this decision I found myself in the midst of 1 Corinthians, specifically verses 1:18 - 2:5. Powerful verses. 

Paul speaks about God's wisdom versus the wisdom of the world. Verse 20 says, "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" And then in 2:4-5 he says, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

Wow. There he goes again. The apostle Paul always speaks right to my heart. 

But I still don't know what to do specifically about this project. I guess I'd better begin by resting in God's power not man's wisdom. And not my wisdom.

I do not have an answer to my dilemma, but I know who to listen to if I want to find the right direction. Certainly seeking wise counsel is a good thing, but ultimately I need to rest in the Lord - wait on Him to show me the way I should go.

While I wait, leaning on The One who knows the beginning and the end of all things I'm asking for your prayers.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Feather Clipping

Darkness enveloped the forest while wind and rain whipped the land. I approached a shadowed building, lay my hand on a cold metal clasp and slowly opened the door. It creaked on aging hinges . . . 

Am I writing a thriller? Nah. Just visiting the chicken house after dark. 

Some of our chickens like to fly over the fence. We've provided a large space for them to range so they don't need more freedom. And sometimes outside the fence there are marauders who like to kill chickens. So in order to protect the vagabonds we sometimes need to clip their wings. The best time is after dark when they can easily be lifted off the perch.

My daughter, her husband and my grandson and I went to work. We were gentle and soft spoken, but some of the hens got stirred up anyway, acting like they were about to be murdered. One hen in particular, a big fat sassy gal with gorgeous black and blue feathers started cackling loudly and ruffling up her feathers while doing her best to get free. I talked gently and held her for a few moments, but she kept right on cackling her head off. We all started laughing, even though I felt kind of sorry for her. Obviously she believed we were about to put an end to her.

After we'd finished and I was back inside and reading I got to thinking about that hen and how little she trusted us. We were there to help protect her. The clipping is not painful and it will help keep her safely inside the pen and away from predators. We knew that, but she didn't.

Sometimes I'm kind of like that hen. I like my comfort zone and I want to stay in it. When something comes along and rocks my comfortable boat I don't like it. Or if God closes a door on me I can get to cackling about it, certain calamity is coming upon me.

I know I'm not the only one who gets disgruntled when things seem to go wrong. Would I be right to say there are a lot of us who do that? And if the truth were told, we'd be a lot happier and live more peaceful lives if we stopped squawking and ruffling our feathers over unexpected circumstances and learned to trust God's wise perspective instead.

Maybe we can remind one another that God's not about to do us in when all He intends to do is a little feather clipping.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Being Me

I've been absent for a while and I've missed you all. The holidays swept in and overwhelmed me. To be absolutely frank I've been exhausted. Anyone else worn out? I'm pretty sure part of the reason I'm so tired is because I've been trying to fill someone else's shoes - a pair that doesn't fit me.

Christmas wasn't just about work. I had a lot of fun too. However, I took on too much responsibility, a habit I've gotten into in recent years. The Lord has been speaking to me about my need to just be me - it really is okay. 

I've been reading a book called Becoming Myself. It's thought provoking to say the least. And the portion I was reading today went right along with the devotion I read as well. And then a scripture verse told me the same thing. I've learned that when I hear something three times from three different sources I'd best pay attention.

The devotion I read was from Streams in the Desert. It included a poignant story about a king and his garden. The garden is withered and dying. When questioned, each plant had given up on life because they weren't just like another plant. The oak tree wanted to stand tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine tree was distraught because it couldn't bear fruit like the grapevine. And the geranium was fretting because it didn't have the fragrance of the lilac.

The king came upon a small violet. It was vibrant and alive and when the king asked why it wasn't disheartened like the rest of the garden the little flower responded, "I know I'm small, yet I thought if you wanted an oak or a pine or a peach tree or even a lilac you would have planted one. Since I knew you wanted a violet, I'm determined to be the best little violet I can be." 

I envision that little violet dressed in its vivid colors and wearing a big smile as it stands up straight and bright, being everything it can be for the king. The violet has found joy and contentment in being just what it was intended to be.

I want to be like that, but I struggle. I sometimes find myself longing to be like someone else. I'd love to be tall and willowy, bending easily in the wind. Instead, I'm more like an oak. I'm broad, heavy-limbed and weathered. My limbs don't bend easily because I've had to stand my ground and strain against life's storms. 

Can I be content as an oak?

I'm confident God knew what He was doing when He created me. I'm also certain that he intends for me to grow and mature and even change, but I need to embrace the core of who I am; only then can I fulfill His purposes for me. 

I'm on a journey, searching for clarity and hoping to discover who me is. I will likely find things I don't like as well as some nice surprises. In the end I pray I am able to throw aside unreal expectations, guilt over false failures and be thankful that God created me to be an oak. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Be Where He Is

The glow of candles seem to exhale quietness - peace - pondering. All things I've been too busy to do recently. 

November 15th my book, The Journey of Eleven Moons, released. Each time a new book launches I'm reminded of the enormity of work involved. It's fun, but always extremely time consuming. And I'm often faced with responsibilities that require me to dig down and find courage.

There's more than just the book release going on. There is a house to build with all the decisions and work that's required. My husband and I embrace and abhor the process.

And there is Christmas, which is fast approaching. I've been busier than usual this year because of family circumstances.

I skipped my devotion time this morning, just as I've done the last week. Finding myself longing for time with the Lord, I sat down tonight intent on Him. Oh how I've missed Him. I opened one of my favorite devotionals, Jesus Calling. As is often the case, God sent an arrow of conviction straight into my heart.

I love the entire devotion, but I will share only a little with you. "Let Me lead you step by step through this day. If your primary focus is on Me, you can walk along perilous paths without being afraid."

And then I went to a scripture from John 12:26. "Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me."

When I get too busy or distracted it is easy to feel lost. All my energy has been geared up for "the launch" of my book. I've been focused. Working hard. Staying busy. And . . . leaving God behind. 

The Lord says, "my servants must be where I am."  

How can I be where He is when my thoughts are on everything but Him? 

It's not just the book launch that has steered me off course. The busyness of the season has acted as a thief, robbing me of vision. It can lead us all astray where we forget to be where He is. It is destructive and surprising, especially at this time of year, which has been set aside to remind us of our precious Lord and His entrance into the world.

Enjoy the beauty and fun of Christmas but remember that without Christ there is no Christmas, there's only mas . . . and what is that?

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - God Passed By

God's Word is a precious gift offered to mankind centuries ago. In all those years it has not changed. His Word is powerful and glorious. It can change my day, my 
life . . . if I think on it - if I tuck it into my heart and my spirit where it can live and breathe.

This morning I went to Exodus 33:14. God is speaking to Moses. "The Lord replied, "I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest - everything will be fine for you."

Moses went on and asked for reassurance from the Lord. That's not so different from us. God says it and we ask Him to say it again. We need reassurance and God understands. 

Moses would meet with the Lord, face to face and then share God's Word and instructions with the Israelites. He was chosen by God not because he was better than everyone else but simply because God picked him to lead His people. 

The verses that follow in Exodus reveal the intimate relationship between God and Moses. And yet, in verse 18 Moses says, "Then show me your glorious presence." He wanted more assurance of God's presence even with the history that had already passed between him and God. Even Moses needed this.

The Lord reveals His tender mercy and love when He replies, "'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 remove my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.'"

As I read this passage I get this great big lump in my throat and my heart aches with joy at this demonstration of God's tender mercy. Oh how He loved Moses. 

But there is more here to learn. 

Moses could not look until God passed by. Why? If God loved Moses wouldn't He want to show him all His glory? I think this is a beautiful picture of how we can know God. We know Him by where He has been, what He has done and who He has been. We can know Him completely and intimately. He is a powerful God. A terrifying God. A tender God. A God of mercy and purpose. A righteous God . . . and so much more. 

If we listen we can hear Him speak to us - if we listen.

See where God has passed by and know Him.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Are You The Real Deal?

Over the weekend my husband and I set out to purchase a new car. We knew what to expect from car salesmen. After all, they need to make a living just like the rest of us so they generally work hard to make a sale. We were prepared to walk the gamut toward a new car purchase. 

We visited a couple of different lots. The first salesman, or I should say, sales woman, gently coaxed us toward a purchase. We found a car we thought might be a good fit but decided we should have a look at a few other models before making a decision.

At the next dealership a young salesman greeted us. He was polite and friendly - not pushy. We took a car out for a test drive while he told us about all its great features. We liked the car, but it was a bit spendy for us and we told the salesman so. That's when the big guns were called in.

Another salesman, who had obviously had more experience, stepped in. He was pushy, but we'd expected that so it was no big deal. Each time he left the room to see about getting us a better price, my husband and I shared a few chuckles over his demeanor. 

It would have been all right, except this powerful salesman started making wisecracks about his wife. Several times he ridiculed or made fun of the person he was supposed to love and respect above all others. Each dig made me more and more uncomfortable until I was actually creeped out. Any trust I'd had in that salesman was gone, along with my respect. 

While considering yesterday's encounter with the aggressive salesman I got to thinking about how important who I am is to the most important man in my life. No. Not my husband, though he's a close second. But to Jesus Christ. 

How do I present Jesus Christ to the world?

I would never make fun of Him or purposely disrespect Him, but when I walk out into the world as one of His representatives I need to consider what others see. What I do and say says a lot about how I feel about my Lord. 

Romans 13:11 - 14 says, "This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don't participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ."

Verse eleven refers to the verse just before it, which tells us "Love does no wrong to others."  

As it turned out, we did not purchase a car from the man who maligned his wife. I had no peace about it.We returned to the original car lot where I became the proud owner of a brand new Dodge Journey. I hope its a good car for us.

In some ways we are like car salesmen or any salesman for that matter. We market our faith. When others watch our life would they want to buy into our faith? I'm not only speaking about the world out there but the one where we live - close friends and family. 

Are we a mouth piece for the Lord that says "I am the way the truth and the life" or something altogether different?

Do not feel guilt if you look closely and don't like what you see. None of us is perfect. But if we feel convicted by the Holy Spirit to be a brighter light for Christ we need to listen to that voice. We can make a difference in this world - one person at a time.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Today

Breathe. That's right. Take a slow, deep breath. Do it now before you read ahead.

Don't think about yesterday. Don't worry about tomorrow. Simply enjoy the pleasure and beauty of this moment.


Do you waste time thinking or worrying about the troubles of tomorrow or the mistakes of yesterday?

I do.

I chronically have difficulty spending my days in the here and now. I spend way too much time thinking about what I should have or could have done differently or I worry about how I'm going to manage something that feels terrifying and is rushing at me from the future.

Something I did last night is a perfect example. I have a sweet puppy, called Misty. She's six months old and well house trained, but she decided she doesn't like the rain and no matter how much we coaxed her, she refused to go outdoors. So, instead of finding an outside place to do her duty she chose what she thought was a perfect place indoors. I knew immediately - you can't conceal that smell. In my haste to teach her and to get her outside I partially picked her up. I should never do that. My back does not like it when I lift anything over ten pounds, especially when I'm bent over.

Ouch! I went to bed worrying about what today would bring.

This morning I awoke, still fearful and wondering what would happen when I moved or tried to stand up. Would I face a day with excess pain? I could feel my heart rate increase and my muscles tense at the thought.

At that moment, I needed to stop my fearful imaginings. So . . . what if I had extra pain today? It's not something new. I've been through it lots of times . . . and lived. And I have medication that helps. And I will get better. 

As it turns out, I do have more pain today, but I'm getting along just fine. I'm going to be fine. Worrying and being fearful is not helpful. In fact it makes things worse because stress makes my muscles more tense.

So this day is one more day of learning . . . from experience. And it's okay. But to harangue myself over a mistake I made yesterday is not okay. And worrying about what the future and what it holds for me is also not okay. When I do that I miss out on the beauty and pleasure of today. God has been teaching me this lesson over and over, only because I can't seem to get it.

John 10:10 says, "The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them (that's us) a rich and satisfying life."

If I take into account another verse from Matthew 6:34, which says, So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today," I can see that I'm a thief. I'm robbing myself of the rich and satisfying life God wants to give me.

I'm shaking my head (once more). When will I learn?

I'm still a work in progress, but progress is the key word. I am making headway. That is a good thing. 

Today is gorgeous. Sunshine is peeking through the clouds. The earth is damp and smells delicious from the weekend's rain. I am surrounded by a loving family. And I'm pushing forward on a new book. Plus . . . well there's lots more blessings in my life, things to be thankful for and to enjoy right here, right now.

So, I've decided I'm not going to spend any more time worrying about my back. I'm just going to enjoy the day God has given me. How about you? What's precious about today? About this moment?

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Path To Peace

My weekly blog Quiet Moments With God is supposed to focus on things the Lord is speaking to me about or teaching me. So, this morning when I was reading from my devotional Jesus Calling I felt the last words in the devotion like an arrow that had been shot straight into my spirit. But I felt no inclination to write about it. Why when I knew they were meant for me today? 

When I realized that I'd skipped over the idea of using the lesson, I got to wondering about the why and I'm not certain, but it could have something to do with living transparently publicly. I had vowed to do that, but there are things I'd rather people not know about me and my faith. But as I mulled all of this over I came to the conclusion of what good is transparency if we pick and choose what we're transparent about?

So, the closing words  to the devotion were these. Turn from the path of planning to the path of peace. 

As far back as I can remember I've been a planner. If I can just come up with a better plan everything will work out. And if that plan doesn't accomplish what I want, then there must be something else I can do. And I go to work trying to cook up a solution, all the while worrying and wringing my hands. 

The devotion says in its opening paragraph that planning and trying to control is a way people practice unbelief. Ouch!

I don't like hearing that, but it's true. I know it . . . in my spirit where the quiet voice of God whispers truth to me. And God's Word says in 1 Peter 5:6-7 "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

In my line of work, waiting is part of the every day. Writers wait to hear back from their critique partners - will they like what I've written? They wait to hear from agents - what do they think about the book idea, will it fly? Editors - will I have major restructuring to do? Publishing houses - do they want to publish my work, the project I sank months into? 

The process is almost never rapid. It can drag out for months . . . sometimes many months. And even when a book is accepted it's not uncommon to have a publishing date that is eighteen months out. And so I've learned to wait, but that doesn't mean I'm comfortable with it. And it doesn't mean I am always in a peaceful place while I wait. I'm there now and my mind is full of what if's, which are not helpful. There is no peace in a worrying place.

That's where trusting God and having faith in His greater plan comes in. He really does know what he's doing. When I think I know the right way and right time I am NOT being humble. I am NOT believing in God's greater wisdom. 

I can trust Him. Really. But if I do, why don't I feel it? I need time with Him, not in my mind and unbelieving heart that wants to come up with a plan. 

And so, I seek out a quiet place to spend time with my Lord. We talk. And when I listen I find the peace that only God can offer. After all, he knows how and when to do all things. I, on the other hand, do not.

If you are waiting or if you're in a hard and hurting place remember God has not taken His eyes off you. He hasn't forgotten you. Trust in Him and in His plan. For there you will find peace.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - The Cross

Today is 9/11. 

Images of the enemy's attack are etched into my mind. My heart aches for those who lost loved ones on that terrible day. I'm familiar with sorrow, but I can't truly comprehend the heartache of losing a father or mother, son or daughter, sister or brother, husband or wife . . . when the Twin Towers came down.

Like the rest of America I watched the footage, again and again. I wept and ranted and I prayed. How does one go on? How can you take another breath, another step? And how do you douse the flames of rage?

Righteous anger is not sin. But hanging onto our fury hurts - it doesn't help. However, there is one who takes up our cause.

Isiah 61: 1-3 says this, "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the Lord's favor has come, and with it, the day of God's anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes.   

The brokenhearted are set free . . . 

to trust again, to love again and to live again,

 for the Lord God comforts those whose hearts have been broken. 

The enemy was destroyed at the cross of Christ. 

And even in the midst of rubble the cross rises up. 

God offers beauty for ashes. He is The One who makes us - stronger, wiser and more determined to stand against evil. Reach out and take His hand. He will lift you up.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Baking With God

Years ago my pastor taught me how to use God's recipe to find peace and joy. He explained that when reading or studying my Bible that I should watch for words like therefore, so and then. Words like these link themes and topics. They connect verses with the ones to follow. 

These connective words and phrases help us achieve a more complete understanding of scripture and what the results of following or not following God's instruction can mean to us and to those we love.

Today I saw a then in my scripture reading in Philippians 4:8 & 9.

     And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, and right, and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

I would guess that most all of us are seeking peace. Sometimes, life can feel like a maelstrom. 

The then in the portion of scripture in Philippians points us to the how of finding the peace of God. We need to keep our hearts and minds focused on the truth of God's Word, on those things that are not corrupted by the world. And we should be thinking about the beauty around us in nature and in the people we know. Also, we must contemplate on the things that are splendid and beautiful. And then to actually include what God has taught us in our lives, not just talk about it. We need to live like Christ lived and do the things He did. THEN we will know peace. It will become part of who we are.

     Fix your thoughts on what is . . .
          True
          Honorable
          Right
          Pure
          Lovely
          Admirable
          Excellent
          Worthy of praise

          Do . . .
          What we learned
          What Christ did

It's not easy. The world pulls at us. It keeps telling us how ugly life is. Television focuses on corruption and hopelessness. There are games, books and movies filled with violence and evil. 

But life is about more than all of that.

We get to choose what we include in our personal life. We choose how much of our time is spent in front of the television. We choose our entertainment. We choose what sites we visit on the internet - what blogs we read or don't read. We choose our friends. 

The world seems to be filled with hate. We can take part in all of that . . . or not. But we need to remember that what we put into our spirit is what will dominate who we are.

I'm not advocating ignorance. Knowledge is profitable. However, there is so much ugliness and evil swirling around us and we are the only ones who can choose our focus. 

If we have a friend who makes the most scrumptious chocolate chip cookies we've ever eaten it makes sense to use their recipe - right? Well, God gives us a recipe for discovering joy and peace. He has the only recipe that offers outstanding results every time. 

I want to bake with God, using His ingredients. How about you?

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie


         

Quiet Moments With God - Never Forget

When you rush you forget who you are

 and whose you are.

I  sat down this morning to spend time with the Lord, but my spirit was filled with frustration. There was so much to be done and I was behind schedule. Plus I couldn't hold back feelings of defeat over what I couldn't accomplish. Even so, God was there waiting to chat with me. First we met in prayer, then within the pages of one of my favorite devotionals, Jesus Calling. 

The opening words to this blog reached out to me from that devotional. I went to a suggested passage of scripture - 1 Peter 2:9, which says,

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

How often do we rush through our busy lives, feeling as if we can't do enough, never completing our list of tasks and in the melee lose sight of who we are - God's child. A child who is fully accepted and loved by Him. A child He longs to tarry with. 

A child who is a Royal Priest - royal because we are God's very own possession. We have been called out of darkness and into light.

And so, as we go about our days, we must never forget to whom we belong. We have been called to be a light in this dark world. However, do not strive to shine, simply belong to Him and it will happen.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie