Too Scared to Move?

Eek! I could barely look at the photos as I searched to find just the right one. I really do not like heights, and I can assure you I will never find myself on a cliff like this. But I wanted to give you the idea ... you're frozen, are afraid to move, even an inch. But God says, "Go. You've got this."

What do we do? Will we let our fear cripple us? Will we remain immovable, or will we trust and allow God to guide us?

I've been there. And I hate it. Being stuck is always a struggle. It's not easy to find the right answer and let go of fear. Questions assail us. What if this is not the right thing to do? Am I hearing God right? Have I misjudged the calling? What if I fail? What if I let people down? What if I let God down?

It's a terrible thing to be afraid. I came across a saying a few days ago that comforted me, though.  

THERE'S NEVR BEEN A 

DAY WHEN GOD HAS 

PANICKED AND THOUGHT... 

SHE'S RUINED EVERYTHING.

I was so happy to read that. It reminded me that we can't ruin everything because God is in control. He has this thing, whatever it is, handled. We can take a risk. There is a beautiful adventure awaiting us, something that brings us joy and offers joy to others.

I'm not saying we should go off willy-nilly without a thought. We need to weigh things out and spend serious time talking it over with God, but ... 

There is a beautiful verse that speaks to this. Isaiah 41:13 says, "I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you."

This verse makes me want to cry. I can see it. God takes my hand. I feel his sturdy, steady grip. He won't let me fall. He'll see me through whatever is required of me.

If we can just keep hold of that image, there is so much more we can do. Life is laid out before us, full of possibilities. We can still have a grand adventure. 

And we can make a difference.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon

Take A Chance

 

In 1979 Greg and I drove through Douglas County Oregon on our way to visit family in California. In May it was breathtakingly beautiful in Oregon. We returned home to Washington State with Oregon in our heats.

We lived in a new home in a lovely neighborhood, and Greg had a great job. We were not unhappy, but a longing for change grew in our soul. We knew we belonged in Oregon and couldn't see ourselves living any other place.

The country was in a deep recession at that time. And Douglas Couty had an incredibly high unemployment rate. Jobs were not just few and far between, they almost didn't exist. But we were certain Oregon was where we belonged, so we prayed for guidance and made plans for the move.

Our friends and family thought we'd lost our minds, but we were confident and courageous ... and a bit foolish. After all, we were young. 

We decided to make a trip down to search for property but didn't find just the right place so we returned home with our dreams a bit bruised but intact and we still hoped that one day we would become Oregonians. 

Not long after that a property opened up that we were interested in, and we made a deal.

Our home sold quickly, and soon all was in readiness. We headed south with our three-year-old son and newborn baby girl. It was a new beginning.

Forty-two years later I am still enchanted by the beauty of my hometown with it's warm and friendly residents. I can still drive down the highway or step out onto my deck and be captivated at God's handiwork and feel deeply blessed that He has allowed me to live here.

In this place, we've experienced deep joy and wretched sorrow. We've raised our children and have lived alongside our grandchildren. We've celebrated birthdays and heavenly home-goings. We've cheered for local athletes and been impressed by the talented folks in our little town. We've also shared the deep sorrow of a community that felt as if it had lost everything only to discover we were not undone ... that God is with us.

All those years ago, Greg and I could have done the "sensible" thing. We could have stayed put where we were comfortable and "safe". I am so thankful for the young, confident, courageous and yes, a bit foolish, us. I'm glad we didn't allow fear to keep us from stepping out and daring to live a different life, the one God wanted for us. 

Here I am gazing upon the beauty that surrounds me and praying I still possess that same spirit of adventure that helped me to take a risk. I would hate to miss out on whatever God still has in store for me.

How about you? Are you ready to step out? 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie Leon

There Will Be Dancing

Last night I posted, Nothing is too difficult for God, on my Facebook page. The thought stayed with  me through the evening and when I climbed into bed it haunted me. Did I really believe what I'd written, or had I simply jotted it down without conviction?

I know God pretty well. We've been walking together ever since I met Him forty-two years ago. I was only twenty-three. Since then, I've experienced God's deep love, I've been filled with unfathomable joy and peace, and received miraculous answers to prayer. But all of the days have not been easy or uncomplicated. There have been times of confusion, fear, and disappointment, and moments when I've asked, "Why God?" 

Scripture tells me that God is never confused. He is not afraid. He is never double-minded. It also says He is always wise and full of knowledge. He knows the beginning and the end of all things. And He loves me, even when I don't deserve it. 

God listens to my heart. He has answered my every prayer. I have no reason to doubt Him. Yet, I do.

Perhaps it's because I know He will do what is right. His answer to my prayer may be yes, but it could wait or even no. 

I've never been good at waiting and I don't want to hear no. I want things my way. But God's answers to my prayers can't be about me and what I see in front of me. There is so much more ... plans I can't even imagine. And God knows what must be done to accomplish His purposes.  

Why then do I sometimes lie awake at night and imagine the worst and allow sorrow and fear to creep into my soul. I suppose it is because I am  human--imperfect and self-centered.

I don't want life to be painful or difficult for me or those I love. I want to feel cooling breezes that caress me with sweet fragrances. I want to dance through fields of untamed blossoms, wild and free. 

One day I will.

For now, I am tethered to the earth where sometimes life hurts. But I'm not alone. None of us are. The Creator of all things, our protector, our healer, our Father is with us. He reaches for our hand and whispers, I am here.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

ARE YOU AN EAGLE OR A PARROT?

It is one of those especially beautiful days here on our small mountain in Southern Oregon. The sun shimmers off distance hills and illuminates the forest with life. It's the kind of day when I want to do nothing but gaze at our incredible view. 

There was an extra drop of special today. A golden eagle sailed across the sky, riding the wind currents above the forested hills. I hurried out to my deck to get a better look. Eagles are something special here - we seem them only occasionally.

While I watched this magnificent bird soar above the forest I was taken back to a small home group years ago when my pastor asked a simple question. "Do you want to be an eagle or a parrot?"

My first reaction - An eagle of course! But as I considered more carefully I wasn't so sure. 

Eagles are courageous. They do things like dive off cliffs or tree tops. They use their skill and strength to survive, and make powerful dives toward earth to capture  a meal. And they let the currents carry them into the clouds. They don't pretend to be anything other than what they are - they hit life straight on, meeting each challenge with boldness.

I'm not so certain an eagles qualities are anything like mine. And I ask, "Do I really want to be an eagle?" If I were a parrot I could remain safely in a cage. My owner would make sure I had enough to eat and drink and might even spend sweet time with me. I wouldn't have to be courageous. All I'd need to do is what was expected of me.

I don't want to offend parrots or those who love them. They are beautiful birds. But if I must choose - eagle or parrot - I don't want to settle for a cage where nothing is expected of me. I want to be an eagle.

There's a problem with that - I'm not always strong or courageous. I don't like heights. And diving into life is scary ... actually it can be terrifying. 

I can't be an eagle, at least not if I must depend upon myself to do it. I am too weak. But God promises me that where I am weak he is strong. He tells me I am never alone. When I leap I can trust him to be there and lift me into the heights. 

As I step into the coming year I think about what it will look like if I am an eagle, and I challenge myself to charge ahead and soar. And what comfort there is inn knowing that I won't be alone.

How about you? Would you rather be an eagle or a parrot?

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

How Do Losers Win?

How can we win when we're "losing"?

My ten-year-old granddaughter plays on a local basketball team. I love to watch her play and go to watch as often as possible. It's been a rough season. Her team hasn't won a single game. In fact, I don't think they've played a game that wasn't a blow-out. The last game I watched, they actually quit keeping score. But that doesn't keep me from cheering as they make their way down the court.

So, why do these girls keep coming back ... to practice every week and to the games? Why do they battle on?

I suppose it could be parents who won't let them quit. Or they'd rather get beat than sit home and watch television. But I'll bet most of them show up because they love to play.

Can you relate? There are so many situations in life where we love what we're doing, but we're still losing the game. It could be a promotion at work we didn't get, a C- in our Shakespeare class, or rabble-rousing kids that make a parent feel like a failure.

A writer's life is full of pitfalls that feel like we're losing. We can't get an agent to sign us. Or find a publishing house who will publish our latest book. In the contest we entered we didn't even final. And of course there is always the poor sales that threaten to sink our careers.

So, why do we keep writing? Why do you keep parenting or continue to work your hardest at that job without a future promotion? 

I don't know. There is no one answer. What I do know is it's a lot harder to stay in the game when we feel like we're losing.  I am so proud of those girls on the basketball team who keep showing up every week.

For me it comes down to one thing - what did God ask me to do? Did He ask me to win? Or did He just ask me to play the game, to show up and do my best. He promises that He'll show up with  me. 

I don't want to let my Lord down. I said, "Yes" to him and I promised not to waver. 

And besides, who decides whether we're winning or losing? There are all kinds of great shots in a game, sometimes they even change lives. And as long as we keep showing up and doing our best, we're winning.

So, keep on getting "out there" and keep playing.

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 -- See What I Will Do

I've had many memorable days with my sister, Myrn. She and her husband, who live in Alaska, have been here on vacation.

I cherish time with my sister. She lives in a remote area of Alaska and we don't see one another often. While she was here, the weather was spectacular. We had lots of good chats, we ate too much, reminisced, laughed and cried. I'm feeling a bit sad today because she's on her way home.

After saying farewell, my thoughts stayed with my sister and others in my family. And when I read from the devotional, Jesus Calling, the words on the page spoke strongly to my spirit.

"Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. Watch to see what I will do."

I do cling to my loved ones. I'm afraid to let them go and to trust them to God. In my family, it seems we are always have some sort of crisis or other. I pray and ask for God's guidance, His help, His will. And then I worry or come up with a plan to "fix" everything.

Oh how I love the Lord, but I sometimes wonder what happened to trusting Him? I know He loves my husband, children and grandchildren, mother and father, brothers and sisters. And that He knows their every need. They could not be in better hands.

The Lord tells us to pray. What a privilege it is to stand before the throne of God. But too often when my prayer is done that is when my difficulty begins. I want to cling, to manipulate, to come up with a plan rather than trust God to do His work. When I interfere I rob the people I love most of God's specific solution, His gentle and exquisite touch.

Listen for the voice of God. He sometimes asks us to be part of His solution, but often we are to do nothing other than pray and restrain ourselves from interfering. It's glorious to watch God bring about His will in ways we never dreamed possible. I'm convinced God loves to surprise us.

Have you been surprised? Can you tell us about it?


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

Quiet Moments With God -- Trust In What He Allows

I find it interesting that my last blog was about our being focused on The Shepeherd and to follow Him, trusting that He will never let us down. The day following that blog I became one of the lost sheep.

On Thursday of last week my therapist added a couple of new exercises. They didn't seem too bad at the time, but the following morning my back told me otherwise. It screamed at me first thing and I found myself, once again, stuck in bed rotating from ice to heat and taking my medications as often as allowed. I was an unhappy and hopeless sheep. I cried a lot that day and wondered if I'd ever really be a whole person again. My eyes were not on the shepherd.

It's startling and troubling how quickly adversity dragged me away from The Shepherd. There is wonder in it, however. My Lord hadn't left me. He was still with me and He longed for me to reach out to Him, to rest in Him and in His plan. Even in the midst of trouble I can rejoice. Psalm 31:7 says, "I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles and you care about the anguish of my soul." He cares . . . always.

I'm better and I'm moving forward once again. I'm doing my exercises, only more carefully now. I will see my therapist tomorrow and we'll make adjustments in my therapy plan, but I will continue to work toward health and strength. As much as I dislike it, the truth is adversity makes me stronger. But in the midst of trouble I must remember to remain close to my Lord, keep my eyes on Him and off the hardship.

I pray that next time I'm up against it, and I will be, that I will not lose sight of The Shepherd who watches over me and to trust in what He allows.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- He Is Everything

We have a new puppy. I think puppies are adorable, especially when they are just visiting or when they belong to someone else. I'm not hard hearted, honestly. I do think they are sweet, but they're also a lot of work. And this is my second day without sleep. Our new addition can't stand to be away from us and he makes sure to let us know . . . all night long.

During the middle of the night while he cried and cried in his crate I got to thinking about his world. He was fearful, thinking he was out of our sight. We are everything to him. He longs to be with us. He's absolutely dependent upon us. And he trusts us to care for him. That's how it ought to be between myself and God. Is He everything to me? Do I long to be in His presence? Do I seek Him with all my heart? Do I turn to Him for my every need? Do I trust him completely?

I wish I could say, yes, yes and yes. But I'm self-willed and though I long to be close to God and to always trust and always be obedient, just like our puppy, Bentley, I have a lot to learn. I need to rein in the "I want what I want and I want it now" syndrome. When I'm thinking about me I'm not thinking about Him.

Seek Him and His will. Live fully aware of His presence and love. Remember He always watches over us. There is no place we can go that He is not there. We are never alone.

If we make Him our everything peace will rule in our hearts.

Grace and peaced 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

Quiet Moments With Him -- Remain in Him

Oswald Chambers words in his book, My Utmost for His Highest, never cease to help me see truth. One entry says this, “Jesus never hurried through certain villages where He was persecuted or lingered in others where He was blessed. Neither gratitude nor ingratitude turned our Lord even the slightest degree away from His purpose to go up to Jerusalem.”

I read this and clearly saw that I’m so not like Christ. I enjoy lingering in the blessings. And I hurry through pain. And I definitely do not like spending time with people who throw stones.

It’s easy to lose sight of the Lord's purpose. There are more comfortable paths to walk. And while in the midst of suffering we often forget that momentary pain can bring blessing--if not to us then to others. Our personal dreams and desires should not motivate us one way or the other. We should care only about being smack dab in the middle of God’s will. That’s where we belong. That's where we'll find genuine reward.

His purpose may line up with our own hopes and dreams, but even when they don’t His ways are the only ones that truly matter. Remain in Him. He has you right where you belong at this moment. We are where we are for a reason. So even if it's difficult, lean hard on Him. He'll hold you up.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God--Comfort In Our Father's Arms

Yesterday I dragged myself to church, only because I knew that my spirit needed to be there. I figured God very likely had something to say that I needed to hear. I was right. He met me there.

Life’s been difficult these past weeks and months. And as Christmas approached I found myself feeling distant from the “cheer” of the holiday and distant from my Lord. I longed to climb into my Father’s lap, yet he felt far away.

Hardships, disappointments and heartaches have assaulted my husband and me. We have a list of troubles and sometimes wonder what tomorrow will bring. My mind wants to dwell there—on the darkness, but God says, “No.”

Yesterday, our pastor said, “We are to be a light to the world, no matter what our circumstances.” God’s Word says we are to be shining stars. So, what happens when I can’t muster any light? God’s Word offers me the answer.

Philippians 4:4 – 8 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Even when God feels far away, He’s not. He is always near. And He knows the beginning and the end and that my present circumstances are only a part of my journey. I can draw close to God. He is always available to His children. However, it is up to me to change my thinking and to trust Him.

I’ve walked with the Lord a good long while and have learned that often it’s the hardest days that produce the greatest rewards. And so I’m determined to change my thinking, and I look forward to all God has to teach me as He carries me along this path called life.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Moments--Dare to Dream

I’ve been reading a great book, In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day. Mark Batterson makes some great points about the way we live as Believers.

Today while reading, I was struck by how many of us are uncomfortable “thinking out of the box”. We need to be more adventurous, more gutsy. We’ve grown accustomed to the comfortable day-to-day mode of living. We’ve forgotten (maybe we’ve never known) how exciting it is to be a Christian.

It’s time we dared to dream.

Mark Batterson talked about an experience he had in praying “ridiculous” prayers. He explained how foolish we sometimes look when we step out boldly. But that's how the world see us not God.

Mark was certain his church should purchase a piece of property. Not a big deal, except this property was half a block from Union Station in Washington DC. He thought that having a coffee shop in the Capitol Hill Historic District would be a great outreach.

The prayer was ridiculous for a number of reasons. At the top of the list was lack of funds. And the idea that churches build churches and not coffee houses was pervasive. Another problem he and others in his church faced, was a lack of experience. But he prayed anyway, believing God would do what God could do.

Even though he felt foolish, awkward, nervous and too young, he moved forward. The church did acquire the property and today a successful coffeehouse stands on that spot. Mark discovered later that for more than two decades God had prevented the property from being sold. Was God saving that place just for Mark and his church? We’ll only know for sure when we get to heaven, but it would seem so.

God is in the mix of our everyday lives, even when we’re unaware. Years ago, my husband and I and our three young children moved to Aurora, Colorado. While searching for a house we were living in an extremely difficult situation. Homes were scarce, at least affordable ones. We prayed and hoped, but after one particularly discouraging day of searching and finding nothing I told my husband in tears, that I couldn’t tolerate even one more day where we were.

Just about that time, a neighbor wandered over and suggested a real estate agent who handled rentals. We talked to him and he had a house that sounded perfect for us. We couldn’t get there fast enough and were stunned to discover that the “perfect” house waited for a family. It was larger than anything we’d expected, and although it was in the middle of the city a green belt with a stream and prairie dogs bordered the back (comforting for this country girl), the neighborhood was great and so was the price.

We discovered that twelve others had looked at that home and passed it by. After what we’d experienced during our weeks of searching we couldn’t imagine why anyone would pass on such a great place. It had to be God. He’d saved the house just for us.

Now, I know this is small potatoes when compared to Mark Batterson’s experience, but the principle is the same—God is in the middle of our lives. He loves us, and He cares about everything--the big things and the not so big.

So, dare to dream and then see what the God of the universe can do.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie Leon

Tips for Triumphant Living--Find a Place of Rest.

God speaks plainly about how we are to live. In Isaiah 30 He makes it quite clear.

Verse 3 says, But by trusting Pharaoh you will be humiliated and by depending on him you will be disgraced. Move on to Verse 15 where it offers a wonderful promise. This is what the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One of Israel says, Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.

Life is difficult. There is so much going on and some of it is hard stuff. We all have troubles; we struggle to make sense of our lives and of our world. Our leaders let us down. But God says we don’t need to struggle. We have hope in Him. In Him there is confidence and rest.

When I place my trust in myself or in my government or my pastor or in . . . anything other than God, I will struggle. God offers me what I need. He will fight my battles and will keep me in a quiet place, if only I will seek Him.

We need to be sensible. We need to make wise choices. We need to pray. But the outcome is in God’s hands. We can trust Him and Him alone.

Grace and Peace to you from God.

Bonnie