The Journey - Where Eagles Soar

I've been bursting to share this news! Where Eagles Soar is almost here! The book, a true story, releases next month. 

You don't want to miss this one.

About the Story

Where Eagles Soar is the true  story of
Lily Sanders, who in 1947 moved with her 
family to a homestead at the edge of
an Athabasken village in the Alaskan
Territory. It was an ideal location
for her father, a mountain man and
hunting guide. It also provided a place
where the world could not see his brutality.

Though trapped in her father's heartless
schemes, Lily longs for his love and
approval. Seeking it, she traipses the
mountain trails at his side, learning to
bring down big game and to work as a
hunting guide. She runs her own trap-lines,
faces down wolves and mushes her dog teams
in races, including the Iditarod.

A tragedy, initiated by her father, leaves
Lily brokenhearted and strips away any
thread of hope that one day he might love
her. She vows to never forgive him and turns
instead to the powerful bond of love she
shares with her sweet-spirited mother and
her many sisters. together they share the
adventure, beauty and heartache of 
their wilderness life.

Bitterness holds Lily in its grip, but when it
threatens to crush her she refuses to surrender
to it and reaches for the unobtainable, where
at last she finds freedom, hope and joy.

Watch for announcements. Where Eagles Soar will be available soon.

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

Life in 100 words or less - Gone

It happened at the county fair. My husband was with our son; I had our two little girls. I only took my eyes off Kristi for a moment, and then she was gone. 

Where was she? I searched for her face in the crowd. Called her name. Asked for help.

Had someone taken her? Oh Lord, no! Please no! Help me find her!

And then all of a sudden she was there, wearing a big smile, blonde curls bouncing. "I rode the merry-go-round!" I hugged her tightly. She was safe.

Fifteen minutes of agony. How do others bear a lifetime?

The Journey - Forever Bonded

Life is made up of a series of events - births, deaths, marriages and sadly even divorces, triumphs, tragedies, joys and sorrows, pathways to travel and to complete. Sometimes we walk, sometimes we run our course which is littered with heartaches and bubbling with delights. But no matter what our journey looks like it is always better when we share it with others. 

I am sixty-two years old and have experienced the good and bad in life. I've been blessed to have precious people close by to share my journey. When the joys came and I was bursting to tell someone there was always a beloved friend or family member who would rejoice with me. And when heartache blustered its way into my life I've been fortunate to have someone to lean on, someone who cared enough to take my hand and to hold on.

The past year has been strewn with joys and sorrows. And this week has been exceptional. A new little person with his own future, his own path came into our lives. I was blessed to be there with his mother and father when he made his appearance, working alongside them to help a precious life enter the world. 

Sharing the momentous experience of birth produced a bond between me, my daughter, my son-in-law and this much loved little boy that will forever unite us. 

There was agony, but there was also ecstasy. And the blessed joy of a new life. 

Welcome to our family, Jase Lee Bayless.

The Journey - New Beginnings

We are burgeoning with new beginnings. Presently at the top of our list is a new grandchild. We are on baby watch. Jase should arrive any day.

Aside from a new baby, we've had lots of other new beginnings this year. 

A new perspective on life - Ezra's miracle. 

He went from this on March 22nd.

To this on June 2nd. 

The Lord has blessed us.

We are also in our new home and we moved my mom into a new place too. I've started another book and my first non-fiction (a memoir) will be birthed this summer. I'll tell you more about that in the weeks to come.

All of these new beginnings have set me to thinking about a huge new beginning that took place in my life nearly forty years ago. I was twenty-three and separated from my husband of four years. I was shipwrecked -  living on my own and grieving the death of my marriage. I had other deaths in my life that year - a dear friend died, my father died and I lost a baby. 

The Lord can resurrect shipwrecked lives and dead marriages. The devastation dropped me to my knees, which is where I needed to be. It's a place where we can meet God.

The Lord had been trying to get my attention all of my life, but I'd turned my face from Him. I wasn't even sure I believed in God. 

During the alone days after my marriage crumbled I cried a lot, every day, and I came to understand heartache. I still loved my husband, but he didn't love me. I thought I'd received what I deserved. Childhood wounds had convinced me I was worthless trash and being cast aside by the world and by my husband was all that could be expected for someone like me.

And then, an incredible thing happened. An old friend stopped by to see me. As teenagers, Kathie and I had gotten ourselves into all sorts of trouble, but now she was different. She'd found the Lord. That night she didn't say a lot about her new-found faith, but she did ask if we could watch the 700 Club (her new favorite television show). We watched and I pretended to be uninterested. 

Before Kathie left, she told me, "I just want to say one thing. Jesus loves you."

She didn't lay out a four-step plan or lecture me she just told me I was loved. That good news went straight to my heart. I pretended not to care but inside I rejoiced. Someone loved me! 

In the days to come, Kathie's words stayed with me and the Holy Spirit drew me to the Lord until one afternoon I turned on the the 700 Club. I'm not advocating television evangelism, but can't deny that God uses all kinds of ways to reach the lost. 

Pat Robertson shared the gospel that day, and I knew God was speaking to me. I needed a Savior. Right there in front of the television I dropped to my knees and prayed with Mr. Robertson. I believed Jesus went to the cross for me and that he loved me in a way that I couldn't even begin to comprehend. I became His. 

I was loved!

Filled with inexpressible joy I cried and cried as years of hurt were washed away in my tears. I don't know how long I kneeled there, but when I stood up I was a new person. Filled with the Holy Spirit and God's love.

It was a new beginning.

My life has never been the same. Like a new born foal I stood on wobbly legs, but I stood. My hunger for God's Word was insatiable and with each passing day I grew wiser and stronger. 

The journey that began all of those years ago continues. I've had mountain top experiences and I've wandered in dark valleys, but the Lord has never left me. He is good all the time. He restored my marriage, blessed Greg and I with three children and a passel of grandchildren. 

Life is filled with joys and sorrows, but there is also hope . . . always hope.

New beginnings can be scary, but mostly they are amazing. I thank the Lord for loving me just as I was and just as I am. And I praise Him for new beginnings. 

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie


I'd love to hear about your new beginnings. Do you have a testimony you'd like to share? Send your story to me at bonnie.leon52@gmail.com and with your permission I'll post it here.

Book Review - Love's Sweet Beginning

Five stars for Ann Shorey's, Love Sweet Beginning!

It is the spring of 1868 when Cassie Haddon and her mother arrive in Noble Springs, Missouri. The war has stripped away their wealth and left them dependent on family. Cassie was raised with the help of servants and has never been denied anything. Now at twenty-five she's penniless and has no useful skills.

The situation turns dire and, with no one to rescue them, Cassie and her mother face homelessness, but Cassie finds inner strength she didn't know she possessed. She manages to convince restaurateur, Jacob West to give her a job, which launches Cassie on an adventure and a new life she'd never dreamed possible.

This sweet romance was a fun read. I loved the conflict between Cassie and Jacob West and Ann's exceptional writing drew me into the story. I relished watching Cassie use her wits and determination to carry her and her mother through difficult times.

Ann did an outstanding job of developing characters readers will love as well as characters they will love to hate. I cheered for Cassie and rejoiced over her transformation.

You don't want to miss this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Loves-Sweet-Beginning-Sisters-Heart-ebook/dp/B00DY9FO00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400571756&sr=8-1&keywords=loves+sweet+beginnings

The Journey - The Next Step

The last several months have been jam-packed with struggles, some have been exciting and even fun but others have been the detestable type. Most recently, Greg and I moved and before our furniture had found its place in our new home we had to move my mother. I'm grateful my sister and brother were here to help. 

Mom is in her new digs and all of her things are either with her or packed away. I'm resting today and will do some writing. This quiet eddy feels really good.

All that has happened in recent months brings to mind a personality trait of mine that I'm not crazy about. It came up in a snippet of conversation I had with my sister yesterday. I've been a worrier most of my life. I'm a worse-case-scenario kind of gal, which is good when I plot stories, but not so good in real life. 

This morning, while reading a devotional, God shone a light on this weakness and He provided a solution. In "Jesus Calling" it said Trust Me to show you what to do when you have finished what you are doing now. I will guide you step by step, as you bend your will to Mine. Thus stay close to Me on the path of peace.

I went on to read the selected portion of scripture from Luke 1:79. "to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace."

I felt the Lord nudging me and reminding me life doesn't have to be one big worry. All I need to do is bend my will to Him and then allow Him to show me the next step. I don't have to know everything. I don't have to figure out a plan. I just need to take the next step and trust God to guide me into His place of purpose and peace.

This worrier is going to do her best not to try to figure out all the possibilities, but rather ask the Lord what's next and then do what He suggests. It's time to leave my worries with God and let Him lead.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God - Use a Lamp

Have you ever found yourself in absolute darkness, but had to keep moving anyway? Many years ago, when my children were young, a man from our church had promised to pick up the kids at the top of our driveway and take them to an evening Bible study.

I'd forgotten that night until this morning while I was reading a familiar passage from Psalm 119. Verse 105 says, "Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path."

The kids ride was supposed to arrive around 6:00 AM, but it was winter and the sun had set long before we started up the driveway. We lived in the forest so if not for the yard light half way up the drive it would have been deeply dark. However when we passed the light its illumination decreased. With each step beyond the light, the world got darker and darker, until it was so pitch black that I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. I kept a tight hold on the kids' hands and we inched forward, feeling our way with our feet.

The lack of light was disconcerting, and I realized I'd been foolish not to bring a lantern or a flashlight. It's that way in life too. It's always wise to carry the light of God's Word with us wherever we go. Without it finding our way or seeing the truth is so much harder than it needs to be . . . sometimes as difficult as it was to see my hand on that pitch dark night years ago.

God's Word is a gift. He offers it to help us find our way. We don't have to venture out without His light, but whether we do or not is our choice. I wonder why we sometimes prefer to feel our way through a dark world when the light of the Lord can guide our every step.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

The Journey - Dear God

Lord, I sit here on my brand new deck sipping coffee and gazing at the amazing view you created and I'm reminded of a much younger me. I was lost and alone and you came to my rescue. 

All those years ago, Greg and I weren't living together, and we had an appointment with a judge who would decree we were no longer married. But you had another plan.

I was newly adopted into your family when I offered up a simple prayer. "Please restore my marriage,"  I prayed. "Create a Christian union between Greg and me, bless us with children and a Christian home. And, if it's all right with you, Lord, I'd love to live on land outside of town." 

God you fulfilled every request and more. I know it's not because I was deserving but because you love me and Greg, our children and our grandchildren. All those years ago you could see me sitting here today talking to you.

And now, here I am in this extraordinary place and I'm in awe at how you've given more than I ever hoped or dreamed for. 

Misty rain splashes through the forest canopy and mists cling to the hillsides like chiffon. The air is fragrant with the smell of cedar, fir and spring vegetation. My eyes savor the lush green of the forest and the rolling hills beyond and below. Cool moist air kisses my face and my ears are tickled by bird song, a bellowing cow in the distance and the sound rain drops make as they dance through the leaves.

Indescribable beauty surrounds me - a gift from you God to one so undeserving. Lord, I have no adequate words of gratitude. My thank you feels hollow in comparison to your gift.

May this place be used for your glory. May my eyes always see the splendor of your creation. May my heart forever rejoice in your love.

Praise be to you Lord God.

Bonnie

The Journey - Is God Good All The Time?

I've been waiting to write this post, uncertain what I would say. Even now as I begin, I can only express my awe at the wonder of God.

March 22nd I stood in the ER and said good-bye to my grandson, Ezra, as the staff prepared him to be life-flighted to a Portland hospital, four hours away. I prayed for God's healing and His peace. I prayed the doctors would be wise. I prayed he wouldn't suffer too much. And I prayed that I would see him again. 

I have walked through many storms and know that my will is not always the same as The Father's. Therefore I knew God would answer my prayer, but not necessarily in the way I wanted.

Ezra's injuries were mighty, but he is loved by a mightier God. "He shouldn't be alive," we heard from the EMT's on sight, the doctors who treated him in our local ER and Legacy Emanuel ER and from the surgeons who did their precision work on him. And yet, he is here sleeping in our home, very much alive. Ezra fought hard and after twelve days he took a very long ride home and walked from the car and into the house on his own steam.

Psalm 91:4 says, "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." 

The Lord was and is with Ezra. During Sunday worship I envisioned God shielding Ezra's head with his hands, preventing it from being crushed as the side-by-side he was riding tipped and rolled, trapping Ezra beneath it. God is merciful.

I don't know why Ezra's life was spared, but I'm grateful. This grandma knows he's special, intelligent and full of fun. Although he has a lot of healing yet to do, is moving slowly right now and has at least one more surgery in front of him he will have more days for things like swimming and barbecues and spelling bees. 

When God answers prayer and I hear people say, "God is good," I sometimes wonder how that person would respond when a tragedy doesn't have a happy ending? Is God still good? 

Our Heavenly Father is always good. Ezra came so close to heaven it takes my breath away. His ordeal reminds me of the sorrow weighing heavy in so many homes in this world. I pray for all the unhappy endings - may you see the light of the Lord even in the midst of your sorrow. He is there too. 

Ezra's journey thus far.

Thanking God for His mercy.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

The Journey - To Face Book or Not to Facebook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie 

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

Interview!

Interviews are so much fun. Today I get to be a guest on Natalie Monk's blog!

If you'd like a chance to win a free book or find out what actors I'd choose to play Erik and Anna in a movie of The Journey of Eleven Moons make sure to stop by and say hello at - athttp://sweetsouthblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/bonnie-leon-interview.html?showComment=1392931189316#c4769836856474196905

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

The Journey - Greatest Gift

Last night, my family celebrated my birthday two days early. The grandkids' schedules are full of activities so yesterday was the only day we could all get together without them missing practice or being forced to make a choice between me and the team. I love that my grandchildren are learning that making a commitment and sticking to it is important.

My husband and I, our children and grandchildren and my mother gathered at a local pizza place in town. We shared laughter, lots of food and I got to open gifts. My mother watched, smiling the whole time. Her face radiated joy. Soon her eyes filled with tears and she said, "What did I do to deserve such a wonderful family?"

I was a bit taken back. I was the recipient of my family's love and I hadn't given it all that much thought. But my mother didn't miss it. All she could see was the love and beauty of being part of a family who cares for one another. Everyone there had done something to contribute to the celebration. Even my mother handed out coins so her great-grandchildren could play games in the arcade and then she had me take her to watch the game playing. 

Mom is so right. We are blessed. 

My family is not perfect. We've made all kinds of mistakes in our lives and there will be lots more. But, we love each other. And I know that no matter what we face we'll do it together. Love isn't about perfection and when I think about my family I'm reminded of the book of I Corinthians, chapter thirteen - the love chapter.

Nothing is of any value without love. It's pretty clear to me that I possess everything in this world that really matters because I'm surrounded by people who know how to love one another. They even love me.

True riches are given by the Lord and the greatest gift is love.

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   

The Journey - Searching For Happiness

If you want to find happiness reach for the Son. 

It sounds easy, but is it?









Sometimes it seems the world has given up on hope. It's decided joy doesn't exist. Sorrow is all around us. The headlines shout out the latest suicide, drug overdose or heartbreak. When I'm out and about I see worry, hopelessness and sorrows of every kind. 

Why? We have everything . . . don't we?

We are rich materially, but it's not the richness that provides joy. Clearly wealth does not bring happiness. Even the wealthiest among us destroy their lives by choosing alcohol, drugs and ruinous living. 

We are a bankrupt society. Our souls are empty because the god of me has replaced the Great I Am. The god of me is a false god. We will never find happiness in ourselves.

The true God, the creator of all the heavens and the earth is the only one who can fill our hearts. Even in the midst of great crisis He is there. True happiness is found in a relationship with the Lord of Lords who loves us beyond reason and who will never forsake us.

This morning I went to the book of James and discovered treasure.

Chapter One, Verses 2 - 4 say, "When troubles come your way consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

This is not what the world teaches. Embrace troubles? How can you know joy when the days are dark? I have been mired in more than one dark pit in my lifetime. It is a terrible place to be. But each time, the Lord lifted me out of the pit and when I looked into His face I knew joy had not been lost.

I ask, "Do you know any other way to grow our faith? If we have nothing to believe for how will we learn to believe?"

Verses 6 - 8 say, "But when you ask him be sure your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."  

There are dire consequences to being a wave tossed about in the sea. Verse 9 tells us that, "Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord."

Do you feel like a wave that is tossed about by the world's storms? A wave is unstable. And if our faith is being tossed hither and yon, can we expect to receive anything from the Lord?

What are we to do? Verse 12 gives the answer. "God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."

We can be happy, for the joy God offers is planted deeply in our spirits. It affects everything we do, everything we think. In the worst of times the joy of the Lord remains. 

I want to shout - "Trust Him! You are not forsaken. You are loved."

Happiness is right in front of us. To find it, all we have to do is to stop looking for it inside ourselves and look at the broader, deeper joy offered to us when we walk with the Lord.

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

The Journey - Two Families - One Roof

While building our new home, Greg and I are living with our daughter and her family. There are seven of us, an eighth who visits occasionally and a baby on the way, all under one roof. We are using every bit of available space in the house, but we don't feel overly crowded. There are five bedrooms and three bathrooms, which help a lot. Greg and I live on one side of the house, which includes a laundry room, bath, family room and two bedrooms (one I use as an office). Sarah and her family are using three bedrooms, two baths and a living room. We share the kitchen and dining. And it's working well. Though I'll admit we are presently under a bit of duress. The flu has come to visit . . . for what I believe is the third time this winter. This time it's a stomach bug. Ugh. 

Throughout the years, my husband and I have invited friends and family to share our home. Most of the time we did so successfully. However, it doesn't just happen. You need a plan and you need to stick to it the best you can, modifying when necessary. Harmony is possible.

These days the number of people across our country who are sharing space is growing. Some decide to live in close quarters because of financial need. Children open their homes to aging parents. Parents welcome children just out of college while they transition into the working world. And there are folks who simply enjoy sharing their lives with others. No matter what the reason we need a plan if dual living is going to be a success.

I'm certain some of you have experienced this kind of living arrangement. And I'll bet more than one of you is yelling, "No! Don't do it!" 

And you'd be right. Sharing living space is not for everyone. Our personal attempts have not always been successful. The experience can be excruciating. 

So, if you find yourself needing to share a home with others what can you do to increase your chances of success?

Here are some tips I've picked up along the way.

• Know the people you plan to live with. If it is a room mate situation and you've met through an ad or a mutual friend, get together more than once and go through likes and dislikes, personality quirks and expectations. Get to know one another.
• Thoroughly discuss expectations. Examples are: Who pays what and when? How will upkeep of the house be maintained? How will you share the kitchen? And who cooks?
• A time frame should be discussed. How long do you expect to live together? 
• A trial run might be a good idea. You can set up a period of time, say one month, where you can try it out before making a final decision. You'll need an alternative plan just in case it's a no go.
• Be honest, but full of grace. People don't always see eye-to-eye and if our roomies are getting under our skin we need to speak up, especially if it's about something we agreed on and they aren't holding up their end of the bargain. However, grace is essential. Don't strike out with words or with anything else for that matter. Work out a resolution in love.
• If there are pronounced differences in living styles it's imperative to talk through the issues that could come up. If one is a neat-nik and the other is a casual housekeeper, how are you going to overcome the contrasts? You might decide it's not a good match - listen to your gut.
• Respect one another. 
• Set up scheduled meetings for communication. If we know there will be opportunity to voice questions or differences we're less likely to avoid addressing them and thus avoid blow ups. 
• Agree on guidelines for your meetings, keeping honesty and respect as key components of discussions. We once shared our three bedroom home with my sister and her four children. There were seven children and three adults in 1400 square feet. Living quarters were tight. Meetings were essential. The kids loved being part of solutions and couldn't wait to voice their opinions and suggestions. Family meetings were generally fun and constructive.
• Pray. If you are believers together, then make sure to pray together.

No single plan works for everyone. The challenge is to find what works for you. 

I look forward to moving into a new home and being just Greg and I again. But I'll miss the close relationship I share here with family. I love being part of my daughter's, her husband's and my grandchildrens' lives. It has been a special blessing. 

I'd love to hear about your experiences. Do you have more tips to add to the list? I hope you'll share. We can all use a little help.

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