Tips For Triumphant Living -- LOVE

On days like today I'm reminded --

"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails.

Sometimes there's nothing more to be said. :-)

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Praise Him!

I'm not a morning person, and this morning I awoke feeling as if I'd been dumped in a black hole. My mind traveled back to 1991 when my van was hit by a log truck. Life has never been the same, and this morning all I could see were the negatives in my life. On the day of the accident, however, that's not how I felt.

That day, my daughter and I were joyfully overwhelmed by the power and presence of God. When the log truck barreled at us we were certain we had only seconds left on this earth. Miraculously we climbed out of a smashed van. We were alive! We hugged one another and praised the Lord for what He had done. We knew he was good, powerful and full of mercy.

In the days that followed, pain overrode my joy. I sank into a dark place and bitterness toward the man who'd been driving the log truck took hold of my daughter. Our praises ceased, replaced by fear, anger, and sorrow.

I'm thankful those days are behind us, though there are times still when I battle the enemie's attempts to keep me down.

Life isn't easy for any of us, at least not all the time. There are dark places when doubts, fears, and disappointments confuse us and lay us low. And yet, we know nothing touches us that God does not allow. So what do we do about the hard stuff, those things that seem unreasonable--the hardships that have no answers? The God of the universe tells us to walk boldly into His thrown room. He beckons us - "Come."

Draw closer to God, and if we must crawl to Him. Hear His voice. Feel His love, His presence. And remember the wonders He has brought into our lives. I have a list of some of those wonders in the back of my prayer book to remind me of all He has done and how much He has blessed my life.

When we remember thanksgiving will be restored.

May we never forget who He is and what He has done. Together let us lift our voices and our hands in praise to His marvelous, incomprehensible love.

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you." Isaiah 12:4 - 6

Remember. Great is the Lord!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Cherish the Moments

A few days ago, a friend of mine said, "It's never as good as you expect." I asked her what she meant and she explained that things(holiday celebrations) weren't what she'd imagined and she couldn't help but be disappointed.

We all have expectations about special celebrations or holidays. Christmas is the one we pin our highest hopes. When it's not as perfect as we'd imagined we're deflated and disappointment.

When we allow our imaginations freedom to roam, movies run through our minds and we almost believe life can be perfect. Of course that's not true, but it doesn't change our hope for perfection. Instead, we need to watch for moments of "perfection".

During the Christmas holidays we imagine carolers (in perfect key), games full of fun, well mannered children and families who never disagree. There will be a stunning tree and the house will be in perfect order. Instead, there are crowded streets and crowded stores, dirty diapers and sick children. Our lives are more about finding the perfect gift instead of the greatest gift--our Lord. Celebrations are dismantled.

Nevertheless, in the midst of the chaos there are precious moments--the joy on a child's face (like when our great neice, Laila, meets a dog named Tex), a hug from a loved one, a card with a heartwarming message, or the laughter of a child.

If we look closely, we'll see the true gifts of the season. They flit by in a moment, but they can warm our hearts and minds for a lifetime. Enjoy every one of them.

Grace and peace to you. And a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Bonnie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Be Careful What You Ask For

Temptation, frustration and discontent are part of being human. The television shouts at us, hoping to convince us we can't live without the latest gadget, or the stories streaming across the airwaves do their best to convince us that the troubles of life are easily and quickly resolved. We want perfection from ourselves or our friends and family. We want to be smarter or prettier or healthier. And we go to God with our list of wishes.

Beware, for we have only 20/20 vision at best. But God sees it all. And yet, we often believe we know best, and when God doesn't immediately answer our prayers, we ask again. We may even demand. There are times that He gives us what we demand, even though He knows our desires are not best. Sometimes that's the only way we learn.

In 1 Samuel 8 the people wanted a King, even though it wasn't what God wanted. Through the prophet, Samuel, God reminded the Israelites what it meant to have a king. Their sons would be called to fight wars, their daughters would be forced to cook and bake and make perfumes for the king and his officials. And the king would take a tenth of their grain and the rest of their harvest . . . and a long list of other requisitions. Life lived under the leadership of an earthly king would be unsettled and harsh. But the people persisted. So, God gave them what they wanted--King Saul. In the end they paid a heavy price.

I have my list of wants. Some of them line up with God's plans for me, but there are other desires that aren't part of His will for me. Still, it is a battle to release them. Again and again I must remind myself, "Not my will, but thine."

Some of the tough stuff I live with puzzles me. I don't like it and I ask, "Why?" God's answers gently, "Trust me."

And so I pray and relinquish my desires. The more I seek His face, the more His voice drowns out the world's and my own. And sometimes I am rewarded by exquisite moments when peace rushes in and carries me above the stridency of the world.

God knows best and when we settle into His will we find a quiet place of peace and contentment. If only I could abide there always.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Crave the Lord

This morning while reading 1 Peter 2:2-3 I was reminded of a time when I was a newborn babe. The scripture says, "Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord's kindness.

In those early days of my salvation, I craved more and more of the Lord. I wanted everything He had for me. I remember staying up until the wee hours of the morning reading scriptures over the phone with my dear friend, Kathy who had helped lead me to Christ. We exalted His name as we read, discovering treasure in the truth of God's Word. We'd had a taste of God's goodness and we wanted more.

How long has it been since you felt like that? Has going to church become a ritual or maybe you don't go at all. Has His Word become stale? Or do you read it at all? Is your prayer time distracted, or maybe you don't pray at all. And you wonder how it is that you've wandered so far from the joy of Christ. Go to the heart of Christ--there lies our nourishment.

I've lived in dry places, wondering where my Lord had gone. The truth is, He hadn't moved. It was me who had walked away from Him.

As I visualize a new born babe he has two great needs--the comfort of his mother's arms and the nourishment she can provide. There is nothing else in his world to distract him from his passion. This is who God tells us to be.

As we mature as Christians, too often that longing fades and our urgent desire for the things of God is lost.

If we crave Him above all else we will live in the middle of his will--resting in His arms and seeking Him only.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Enjoy Life's Gifts

Touching the Clouds, my most recent book, has received some very good reviews. I love good reviews, they make me smile. I received one that is especially meaningful, written by Sarah Varland. She loved the book, but I think the reason her review meant so much to me was because she's an Alaskan. As I read, I felt as if I'd been given a gift.

I encourage everyone to accept gifts that come your way. After all, accepting or declining the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ means the difference between eternity with God or without Him.

The gift of Sarah's review does not contain the same significance, but it made my day. I want to share it with you.

Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon
Reviewed by Sarah Varland

"This book is a breathtaking adventure that
will help you escape from everyday life."
Touching the Clouds, the first in Bonnie Leon’s Alaskan
Skies series, captivated my attention from the beginning. It’s
set in the nineteen thirties, and Kate Evans is a pilot,
running from a past that haunts her and a fiancé who wants
her to be a predicable, domestic woman. She flies from her
home in Oregon to Alaska, determined to prove herself and
atone for her past mistakes.

But in this time of economic depression, jobs are scarce—
especially for women who are from “outside” of Alaska, and
especially for pilots. Kate finally convinces someone to give
her a job, but must work the mundane mail runs before
she’s given any passengers. Even though she knows new
pilots to any airfield have to prove they know their stuff, she
also knows that she’s under closer scrutiny than the average
newcomer because she’s a woman. And her rough-aroundthe-
edges male coworkers aren’t going to let her forget it.
While Kate is in Alaska, she meets a variety of interesting
characters out in the bush and small villages, including Paul
Anderson, a handsome man with a dark secret, and with the
help of her new friends, faces head-on the harsh challenges
that life in Alaska presents.

The characters in this book were real, three dimensional
people with struggles, fears, and passions. The dialogue
between them was realistic and each character had a
unique voice that added depth to the story. I enjoyed seeing
them grow and watching as relationships developed
between several different characters.

I’m from Alaska, and reading a book set in Alaska is sort of
like ordering salmon at a restaurant for me. I hesitate to take
the risk, being a snob about all things Alaska, because
either it’s going to be amazing and make me long for the
Land of the Midnight Sun, which is the more desirable, less
likely option, or it’s going to be poorly done. Bonnie Leon’s
story is set in the real Alaska. Her descriptions are perfect—
exactly what readers would see if they really were to fly
above Alaska and study its rugged landscape. I felt like I
was there with Kate and the other characters in this story,
shivering in the brisk Alaskan air and marveling at the
beauty of the Chugach mountains.

This book is a breathtaking adventure that will help you
escape from everyday life into Kate and Paul’s world, a
dangerous, beautiful place known as The Last Frontier.


You can find Sarah Varland at espressoinalatteworld.blogspot.com



Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Follow The Shepherd

Psalm 23 is a familiar verse to most of us. What a beautiful picture of our Lord--Our Shepherd. A shepherd looks after and cares for his flock.

This morning while reading I was touched by the picture of a shepherd who tenderly watches over and is even called to lay down his life for his sheep. Sheep are not known for their intelligence. They can be stubborn and sometimes wander away from the flock. And when the shepherd comes to their rescue they're not necessarily grateful.

I'm part of The Shepherd's flock, with all the same weaknesses as my fellow sheep. I'm grateful for the loving shepherd who watches over me. I trust Him to watch, to lead, to protect and to provide peace, rest, and strength.

What would happen if I were to wander off and lose sight of my shepherd? Most certainly destruction. There are beasts waiting to pounce and storms with the power to destroy. I dare not take my eyes off The Shepeherd. He is my haven of safety.

If we follow Him we'll never become lost. Keep our eyes on the One who cares beyond comprehension and we'll rest in green meadows.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips for Triumphant Living -- We've Got To Begin

Have you ever had what you thought was a good idea, some sort of outreach, or task or something that would just plain bless someone else? Maybe you've felt God had called you to something, but were too afraid to give it a try. I have. And too often I've ignored Holy Spirt nudges, thinking there's not enough money, or I'm not skilled enough or it's just a silly idea anyway. How many great opportunities have we passed by because we were counting only upon ourselves to pull it off?

As a body, we have an incredible number of gifts and talents, creative minds full of great ideas and a sense of purpose. And yet, we ignore them, thinking they are not enough. Well, they're not. And if we allow our self-securities to rule us we'll live a life of regret. We don't need to depend upon ourselves. There is God--remember--the One who created the universe.

There is a German Proverb, which says, "Begin to weave and God will provide the thread."

Keeping that in mind, all we have to do is begin, believe in The One and step out in faith. God will provide all we need. What's on your mind today? What idea, or project or task? Who do you know who needs help or just a hug or a kind word? Maybe you have a REALLY big task you think God's calling you to. Is it too big for Him?

Just remember, "Weave and God will provide the thread."

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 -- 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 -- Be Kind

In a recent interview I was asked what I dislike most. The answer immediately flashed into my mind. I can’t stand meanness, especially between Christians.

We snipe at each other, gossip, and toss barbs. There is no reason to be cruel, not one. And yet, it happens all the time. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm not innocent. I've been known to throw insults when miffed. I detest such behavior, especially when it originates with me.

Scripture is clear. Maliciosness is not okay.

Matthew 19:19 says, "Love your neighbor as yourself” and in John 13:34 Christ says, “A new command I give: Love one another As I have loved you, so you must love one another." And in Matthew 5:38 Jesus says, “If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."

These are just a handful of verses, there are many more. They should make us think. What does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves? We make sure we’re well fed, clothed, housed and we take care of needs that arise. So does loving our neighbor as ourselves mean we're to extend the same kindness toward them? How can we do that better?

To love as Christ loves means to love sacrificially and unconditionally. Do we even come close?

And when someone wrongs us what is our first reaction, reprisal? Clearly Matthew 5:38 describes just the opposite.

So, do we take God's Word seriously? Do we believe ALL of it applies to us?

It's not possible to live perfect lives, we're human after all, but do our hearts long to live in a way that honors God? Maybe we should spend time contemplating how we can honor Him. If we find ourselves being cruel to others either to their face or behind their back, then we're clearly not pleasing God.

Cruelty can devastate. Unkind words and actions tear down those God has asked us to love. How it must grieve our Heavenly Father.

I don't want to grieve Him. I want to please Him. I say, let’s give the Lord's way a chance. Decide to love at all times. Imagine what the world would be like if we chose love instead of hate.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Bloom Where You're Planted

There was a book published years ago, called, "Bloom Where You're Planted." I always loved the idea and have tried to live my life that way. It's not easy, but God gave me a beautiful example through my sister, Leslie.

During much of her life, she was a wreck of a person. That doesn't sound like a nice thing to say about someone, especially not a sister, but it's a true statement.

Leslie, had a great beginning. She had loving parents. They loved each other and her. She was the youngest of five children, was intelligent, beautiful and a superb athlete. And she had a special love for animals of all kinds, including things like iguanas.

In spite of all that she was unhappy. As a child she was the victim of abuse, something our family didn't know about until she revealed it to us as an adult. I think her self loathing began during the years of abuse. An additional heartache was the death of our father when she was a young teen. The hurts sent her down a path of alcoholism and drug addiction. And her fight with lupus and bi-polar condition began when she was just a teen.

Her life resembled a battle field, but she fought back and overcame the addictions to alcohol and drugs. Lupus forced her into a nursing home at an early age. It was devastating to her and her family. But God had a plan for my sister, and the nursing home was part of it.

Psalm 1:3 says, "He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season."

For many years, God called to my sister, but she resisted Him. His love never wavered, especially when her path led her into the nursing home. He planted her where she could bloom, a most unlikely place.

The early weeks and months in her new home my sister was miserable. It seemed her life had no meaning. Gradually she found her niche. The senior residents needed her sharp mind and she came alongside many of them, helping them manage medical issues, legal matters with the state and with their families. She became a trusted friend to many.

Life in a nursing home can be dismal so Leslie built bird houses and homes for squirrels to attract the wild creatures into the home's garden where they could be enjoyed. And even though she couldn't walk, she planted hundreds of flowers in those gardens. And she was the one who convinced the directors that a dog would be good for all the residents.

Those of us who loved her watched Leslie bloom. She'd fought God all her life, but in a modest nursing home she found purpose and she found the Lord. When she was just forty three she died from complications of lupus. But before she flew off to heaven she bloomed and became a beautiful picture of what God can do with a life bent before Him.

Even in the midst of the worst circumstances there is joy to be found. Place yourself in God's hands and He will enrich your life and you will bloom.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Enjoy The Moment

I've been rushing lately. I have a lot going on, including a deadline for a book. Everyday my "to do" list requires more hours than I have in a day. During my shower this morning, I caught myself washing my hair in a hurry. What happened to luxuriating beneath hot steamy water? Or maybe even singing a song while showering? I always sound better in the shower.

While the water cascaded over me, I wasn't thinking about how good the shower felt. My mind was on the list. I nearly missed the pleasure of the moment.

Almost everyone I know is in a hurry these days. We have to many responsibilities crowded into our days--work, family, church, community and that's only the beginning. It's good to be involved, but while we're in the midst of planning and fulfilling our obligations let's not forget "right now". Stop and enjoy the significance of the moment.

The "little things" in life make all the difference in how we feel. Take time to enjoy a sunset or a sunrise. Stop and watch bees gather pollen and marvel at the wonder of nature. Listen to the birds sing. Make sure to listen to your children's or grandchildren's interesting perspectives on life. Answer their kazillionth question. It only takes a moment or two.

God reveals Himself in these snapshots. He is all around us, whispering His presence, revealing to us the wonders of who He is. And He waits to hear from us. If we're in too big a hurry, we'll miss Him. We'll miss the beauty of the day to day specialness of life.

When we tell ourselves we'll make time later, sometimes later never arrives. Because after this project there will be another one and then something else after that. We must choose to enjoy the moments. They are like a string of pearls, each one unique and significant, snapshots that breathe life into our souls.

The days will pass whether we're paying attention or not. Don't miss them. Look. Listen. Enjoy.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Meditate?

When we use the term meditate, what first comes to mind? I must admit I see someone sitting in a lotus position, hands folded in front of them and chanting. Sorry, but sometimes my mind is so cliched. But, I know there are others like me.

Philippians 4:8-9 gives us a whole different picture of meditation. It says, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report. If there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."

With all the instability and violence in our world it's easy to become fearful or jaded. And peace, well it can be hard to find when our very lives are threatened. And the day to day troubles steal our tranquility. When we focus on our difficulties or the evil that might touch us or our loved ones we lose sight of The One who knows it all and who watches over us. If we're not on guard our days will be stolen from us.

I looked up the word meditate in the Webster's dictionary. It explains the word this way -- "To engage in thought or contemplation. To plan in the mind; intend."

So it would seem that the apostle Paul is saying we should not only set our minds on what is good, but to plan how we will think or what we will do according to what we see in him, and then the God of peace will be with us. So if we're wondering where our peace has gone, maybe we ought to take a closer look at where our thoughts reside.

What has captured your thoughts today? Are there troubles that tear your mind from God and His goodness, from the noble and true things around you? Then drag your thoughts back to what is good, noble, true, pure, and lovely and remember the things Paul did. It will change your the tempor of your spirit and change your day. It might even change your life.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Be Smarter Than A Chicken

Chickens are stupid creatures, but I still enjoy them. They're generally gentle birds who provide us with fresh eggs and sometimes meat. It's fun to listen to a hen cackle her joy and pride to the world after she's laid an egg.

Spring has arrived here in Oregon, which means it's time to build our flock, time to buy chicks. The tiny fluff balls are really cute, but they seem to have fewer brain cells than their parents. Still, God uses the simple things of this world to teach us and my little brood reminded me of an important lesson.

I've been caring for my chicks in a box in the house, but as they grew so did their stink. And after one precocious little bird flew out of the box and ended up on my carpeted floor I decided it was time to move them all to a coop.

I got the coop ready--fresh shavings on the floor, food and water and a heat lamp. When I put the chicks inside they were jubilant. They had room to run and even fly a little. I was sure all would be well. The next morning I checked on them and they still had plenty to eat and drink and seemed healthy so I went on my way. Late that afternoon I looked in on them again. There was still lots of food and water. In fact, it looked as if they hadn't touched any of it. My feathered friends weren't eating or drinking.

I moved the water and food closer to them and they immediately set upon both eating and drinking as fast as they could. Nourishment and drink had been available and yet they hadn't touched either. All they needed to do was move a couple of feet further and they would have discovered their meal. If I hadn't intervened they would have died. Stupid, I thought and then I realized how many Christians are just like these chicks.

God has placed his Living Word within our reach, yet we refuse to consume His spiritual feast. Our Bibles gather dust, and church on Sunday is just too much trouble, and activities crowd out things like Bible study groups or prayer groups. When we don't eat the spiritual food provided by God we risk dying from spiritual starvation.

Gods says in the book of Hosea, "My people are being destroyed because they don't know me." God has provided everything we need so that we can know Him. His Word is filled with glorious promises and words of encouragment and wisdom. If only we will eat, then we will know how to live.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Make Sure To Have Some Fun

I am blessed. I have a job I love. However, like most of you, it's not all fun and games. I spend countless hours alone in front of my computer. I work nights and weekends. And my income -- well let's not even go there.

I do get to create characters. I love that. I dream up plots. I love that. I search for historical tidbits that will make a scene more realistic. I love that too. And I meet the most interesting people. I absolutely love that.

My biggest struggle is my physcial condition. I live with chronic pain. And some of what I do as a writer makes it worse. Travel, though it is something I love, is one of those challenges. It's hard on my body, and sometimes it's hard to fight through the pain. In fact, on my last resarch trip my back went out while I was touring a really nice museum in Yakima. That was definitely not fun.

While in Yakima I took my smarting bones to a meeting I'd scheduled prior to my visit. Mark and Cheryl Barrett (pictured above) were my gracious hosts. What a delight it was to visit with them. Although my body was complaining the rest of me was having fun. The Barrets are one of those treasures writers look for. Their family has been growing fruit in the Yakima Valley for generations. The Barretts know all there is to know about fruit growing and life in the valley.

We sat outdoors on a patio in front of their gift shop, sipping apple pop (I didn't know there was such a thing, but it's very good) and chatting. The gift shop is located on their fruit farm so I had a good view of the rows and rows of fruit trees. The store is chock full of goodies and interesting gift items. I highly recommend it to visitors.

It was one of those perfect spring days, warm and sunny with just a light breeze. We talked about farming, life in the valley and local history. Although I was in pain and technically working, I was having fun. I suppose I could have set my mind on the pain and all the work that waited for me here at home but if I'd done that I would have missed out on the fun.

It turned out to be a super day. I met a couple of very nice people and gathered in information that will make the scenes in the book I'm working on come to life. I'm so glad I made the trip.

God has all kinds of surprises waiting for us. There is wonder in day to day living. We've just got to open our eyes and our hearts so we can see it.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

You can find Barrett Orchards at www.treeripened.com

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Don't Carry Tales

None of us wants to be seen as the type who ridicules others. And I doubt that many of us consider ourselves to be malicious. But let's get honest--we're humans and all humans do bad things some of the time, including being a tale bearer. Perhaps we fall into it unintentionally. Nevertheless if we've taken part we've sinned.

Proverbs 29:8 says, "Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger." Seems clear to me that we're called to bring calm to our world not anger. Mocking someone else or gossiping about others is always damaging and stirs up trouble.

I know a person who doesn't intentionally do this, but there is often a cloud of trouble swirling around him. He loves God and serves faithfully and yet he mocks others. He has a tendency to see the worst in people and is quick to share his views. Soon, the word is out about so-and-so and people are quick to judge and to jump on the gossip train.

If we listen to hateful words about someone else and accept them as truth we're part of the problem. It's easy to think we know the "facts" when we don't. Only God knows a man's heart. Only he can judge.

I've seen major storms break out in a church over one piece of misinformation passed along by someone who thinks they recognize a truth others ought to know. We hurt each other, sometimes with eternal consequences. Oh, how it must grieve our Lord.

I've been on both sides of this issue--a tale bearer and the victim of tales. Both hurt, but when I think back to my part in a flood of gossip or judgement I'm filled with shame and I vow--never again.

God says we're to love one another. How much better it is to pray for and to lift up others rather than to tear them down. Love brings blessings.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Listen to Others

After returning home from a five day research trip I expected to spend a day resting, then get back to work on my latest novel. I should have known better than to plan.

My husband and I picked up my mother on our last day of the trip so she could spend a few days with us. Mom's a sweet woman who appreciates life and having her with us is a gift.

Even with her here, I'd planned to spend some time working. After all, having one extra person in the house doesn't change things too awfully much. I figured there'd be plenty of time for work and pleasure. However, my household of three was about to change.

My youngest daughter had been sick for several weeks and was finally diagnosed with pneumonia. She was too sick to care for herself and her children so it was decided they ought to stay here where Sarah could rest and I could take care of the kids.

My son was also due to arrive for a visit with us and his grandmother. We love having him here. And we were scheduled to drive my mom to the train depot in Eugene (a couple hours north) on Sunday.

In true "Bonnie style" I tried to keep up with writing my book, socializing, caring for my daughter, baby-sitting, cooking . . . and everything else. I could feel my book deadline looming so I kept pushing to "do it all". My husband knows me well (after all we've been a couple for forty-one years). He knew I was about to miss out on the special opportunities of family time that I'd been given because I refused to let go of the work of writing.

Kindly but firmly he told me to put the writing aside. Perfectly sensible advice. I shouldn't have needed to be told. But until he spoke I couldn't give myself permission to do the best thing for me and everyone else. He helped me see my priorities--the people I love. The work would get done, but the days with my family would come and go and once gone I couldn't get them back.

I thank the Lord for giving me a wise husband. The moment I decided to listen to him and made the decision that work could wait I felt at peace. I had a couple more days with my mom, puzzle making and games with my grandchildren, a good visit with my son and, although I was concerned about my very ill daughter, it felt good to care for her. She's on the mend, the way.

Sometimes it takes the voice of someone else to help us make wise choices. Listen to others, they may be making sense.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Worry Less

I came across a couple of great quotes.

Mary Hemingway said, "Worry a little every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything."

And . . .

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its joy."
Author unknown.

Both of these quotes hit me right where I live. I'm a worrier, always have been. I'm one who imagines worse case scenarios. Maybe that's why I write books--my imagination works overtime. When I'm wearing my author's hat that's a great help, but in the day to day living it only causes anxiety and is not profitable.

Mary Hemingway said, train yourself. If we're worriers and want to live in a state of peacefulness we have some work to do. It will take effort and determination. Scripture tells us to take every thought captive. I'm learning. Some days I'm more successful than others, but I will not give up.

Worry is a normal human response to troubles, but it says a lot about how we see God. Do we trust Him . . . really? If we do, then why are we worrying? He sees it all. He hears our every prayer. Knows our every need. And He has everything in hand.

When we fully trust God it means we don't have to worry about what terrible thing may happen today or tomorrow. Rather, we can live like babes who have been gathered into their mother's arms--fully dependent and fully trusting.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie