Quiet Moments With God: You Can't Drink Grapes

This week I've been reminded of what it's like to ride a see-saw. When I was a child, the up and down ride used to be fun. This week was filled with highs and lows but I wouldn't describe it as fun. There were moments of triumph and hope as well as times when defeat seemed at hand. I'm not particularly proud of the way I faced the sorrows.

It's easy to cheer when we stand on a mountain top, but it's our time in the valleys that reveal who we really are. If only the world were made up only of sunny days and smooth sailing--that would be blissful. Right? If that's all we knew what kind of people would we be? Where would we find our fortitude or learn to be grateful for our many blessings? And what of the saying, without winter we wouldn't know how precious spring is.

There is a profound portion of scripture in Philippians two. Paul speaks of how we should live and about his becoming a drink offering. Remarkably, he rejoices in his sacrifice. He writes, "But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a drink offering to God." He wrote this letter to the Philippians while in prison, and yet his thoughts are with those who have believed and those who have yet to understood the sacrifice of Christ. Clearly he has given all he is to the Lord and is willing to offer up his very life. How did he come to such a place?

Paul lived through many sorrows and travails. He suffered harshly for his faith, yet he persevered, gladly. He was crushed just as grapes are crushed before they can be made into wine and to then be an offering to God.

Perhaps like me, you long to be like Paul, to offer yourself to God with gladness and in faith, to be a drink offering for the Lord.

However, there is an obstacle--one cannot drink grapes.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

TOPIC OF THE DAY: A Hope and a Future

The clock just ticked past 12:00 PM and so it is technically the day after my birth--February 18th. I know that fifty-nine years ago on February 18, my mother saw me for the first time and cradled me in her arms while my father looked on. They fell in love and my life began.

But I was already known. God knew me. Scripture says, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

God's words leave me breathless--I mattered to Him then and I matter to Him now. The Father's hands formed me. He knew all there is to know about me. And still, He loved me. I can't get my mind around that. I don't see what He sees. Like many of you, I don't value His creation as I should. I spend too little time being grateful for the gift of life. Every breath is precious, every moment provides opportunity. Life is rich and will be more so if we turn our eyes to Him and ask with an open heart, "What now, Lord? Tell me and I will do it. Praise you, Lord."

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." What a promise! We can count on Him to uphold His promises.

I had fun at my birthday celebration today. Family gathered for a special meal, we prayed and laughed, played silly games and held onto one another. It was good. Yet, I long for more--time to speak of the gift of each other, more time to pray and to build one another up. As the day comes to a close I consider who I am, who God means for me to be and how great is His love. How many more birthdays do I have? I can't answer that question, but I pray that I'll not waste the time given to me and to be grateful for the days already received. May I greet each morning with a heart of thanksgiving.

Let us breathe in the fragrance of God's creation, to put our arms around a loved one, or one who needs to be loved. Shall we count every day as a blessing. We are here on purpose. Treasure the gift.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Topic of the Day: Best in Show

Evidently dogs are becoming more significant in our lives. An example of this is the prestigious Westminster Dog Show, where the "best in show" will be decided this evening. Even the rich and famous have been spotted cheering on their favorites. Personally, I enjoy dog shows. It's always fun to have a look at what are considered the best in each breed. This year there's a newcomer, a Pekinese who just might take the top crown. But we can't forget the stately Great Danes, or a Shar-Pei who is the first of its kind to win in the non-sporting class. These and all the rest are special animals, bred for perfection. But . . . they're still just dogs--lovable, lively animals who make our lives better.

I've considered this world of dogs and pondered the reasons why we've become a dog-loving society. What is it about our beloved pets that makes us do all sorts of crazy things like take them out in a snow storm just to make sure they get their walk, carry them in our purses or make sure they are groomed by the "best" groomer in town. We spend hundreds, even thousands of dollars at our local veterinarians. Cesar Milan, better known as The Dog Whisperer has become wealthy simply by doing what he calls, rehabilitating dogs and training people.

What makes our dogs extraordinary, pedigreed or not? They love unconditionally. Even when we don't take them for a walk or even forget to feed them or lose our tempers with them, they keep on loving us. All they want is our love in return and maybe a belly rub.

I have a dog named Bentley. He's nothing like the extraordinary dogs that will be competing today at the Westminster Dog Show, but he's mine. He's a hard-headed boxer with too much energy who is too smart for his own good. He knows how to open gates and he loves to dig holes, but we love him anyway. We try to remind ourselves that he's still a puppy although he weighs seventy pounds and already at eight months of age bravely protects his people.

I've been an imperfect dog owner. I get frustrated and sometimes even angry with this clown of a dog. But he loves me anyway--unconditionally.

Dogs are a beautiful example of how we ought to love one another. Pedigreed or not Bentley has the credentials that matter--LOVE. Even when I've been too busy for him, he'll rest his head on my lap, look up at me with his big brown eyes and let me know how much I matter to him.

We love him because he first loved us. Dogs can be a reminder of The One who first loved us and gave His life for us.

If you get a chance give your dog an extra hug tonight. Let him know how special he is.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Need A Fill Up

Do you ever feel like you've come to the end of your rope? Responsibilities gobble up time. Family and friends need more from you than you have to give, or you've been confronted by losses or conflicts. There's a long list of of circumstances that soak up our energy reserves. Sometimes it's just living. I've been in that place many times--drained and wondering how I'm going to pull myself together.

When we find ourselves feeling flattened by life's concerns what should we do? We can sleep alot and pretend everything is just fine. That might help for a while. We can get lost in a book--living in another world will make us feel better for a while. We can get together with a friend and vent. That will help for a while. We can work harder--but we can only do that for a while. Although these things are good and helpful, none of them will bring lasting fulfillment.

The best place to fill up is at a God station, which offers waters that never run dry. Our engines won't run without a fill up. Take a big gulp of His Word. Pray. Worship. Allow Him into your heart. He places a balm on our sorrows, fears, and the feelings of hopelessness that threaten to overwhelm us. Believe in The Lord, the Giver of Life.

The beauty of this "fill up" is we never have to pay for it--it's free--a gift from our Heavenly Father. It's been paid for by Christ who gave His life for us. He is the intercessor between us and the Heavenly Father. It is the love of the Lord that fills our hearts and souls with hope, love and joy.

Just as the Samaritan woman did, drink from the water that satisfies for all time. And never thirst again.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

TOPIC OF THE DAY: Getting Enough Sleep?

There are a lot of Americans who are not getting enough sleep. I'm one of them. As long as I can remember, I've been a night owl. As a child, I'd lie awake at night with the house silent and dark, longing for sleep and knowing 6:30 AM would arrive too soon.

I read a news article today which stated that sleep deprivation is a global problem, and that those who are not getting enough zzz's are at a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. That makes me sit up and take notice.

I ask, "Why?" Why aren't we sleeping? There are people like me who have inner clocks that don't match the rest of the world but for many the root cause is something else. It may have something to do with lack of rest. We are a driven society. Too many of us refuse to take a break from work or from fulfilling an obligation we couldn't say no to.

Rest is not the same as sleep. It's a quieting of the soul, spirit and the heart. A place where we find serenity. The Bible says that even God rested and in Mark 6 Christ says to the apostles, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest a while." There are many mentions of rest in God's Word. It must be important.

There is a list of sleep remedies--exercise, healthy eating, pharmaceuticals, white noise, restful music, evening routines. . .the list goes on. There's nothing cynical about finding help for sleeplessness. I've used most of the "cures" listed. But I'd rather make a life change. How about you?

Do you have difficulty giving yourself permission to rest? I do. Society has convinced us that resting is the same as laziness. That's a lie--don't believe it. I'm not against hard work, in fact I do a lot of that. And allowing myself to rest doesn't come naturally. I'm doing my best to learn that it means taking good care of myself and that's okay. Becoming restful doesn't look the same for all of us. We need to find our own path toward restoration.

Stress is a huge deterrent. It steals serenity. It's a powerful thief that sneaks up on us disguised as important obligations, work that can't wait, desire for possessions or status. The list is long and varied.

So, how do we destress? Smile. Laugh. Learn to say, "No." Make time for fun. Get outdoors. Spend time with friends and family. Watch a movie or attend a concert. Read a book. And we need to get our noses out of our computers . . . at least more often. And don't forget to spend time with God. He created us for His pleasure. Enjoy His creation. One of my favorite things to do is to launch a boat in a high mountain lake and float lazily on the shimmering waters on a warm summer day with a fishing line in the water. It doesn't matter if I catch a fish.

Taking good care of ourselves is the best thing we can do for others. When we're healthy and happy we become a balm to the people around us.

I've shared some of my favorite ways to rest, what are some of yours? How do you rebuiild your energy and joy?

Grace and peace to you,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- A Legacy

A week ago, I attended the memorial service of a dear friend, Bob Rowe. He's always been a one of a kind person--a special man. He didn't always walk with the Lord, but when his eyes were opened to the truth of Jesus Christ he grabbed hold and quietly went about the Lord's business. My husband had the privilege of baptizing him mamy years ago when he was a new believer.

During his memorial service there was no shortage of tales and tidbits of goodness to share about this special man. Bob touched many lives. He didn't live for personal gain. His heart was filled with the need to serve his Lord and those around him through ministry and unexpected opportunities. He touched one life at a time. He made a difference. As I listened to story after story of Bob's life I heard things I'd never known about him.

He lived humbly, always had a sparkle in his eye and a joke at the ready. But more than that, he offered his life as a sacrifice to others and was always glad to get involved wherever needed.

During the service, one man stood up and said that if he had to describe Bob in one word it woud be faithful. He was steadfast to his profession of faith, his service and his friends.

I wondered what would be said of me, if it were my last farewell to this earth. Am I serving God with my whole heart? Does my life make a positive difference in the lives of others? What kind of example am I to my family and friends? Is it clear that Christ is the Lord of my life? Am I walking the path He's chosen for me?

Self examination needs to be done. Certainly none of us live righteously all of the time. But taking time to ponder on our Lord, our existence as His children and on whether or not we're making the most of what He's given us or squandering opportunites is hugely important.

We shall walk this way only once and then, like a mist, we'll be gone. What will we leave behind?

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

TOPIC OF THE DAY: World Cancer Day

Did you know that this is "World Cancer Day?" I didn't until I saw it in the headlines. It's a good day to remember those who battle for life and those whom we've lost to the fight. Science has made great strides forward and I'm thankful to say that cancer no longer necessarily means we've run out of time.

I've known people with cancer, presently know some with it and I'll know others in the future. If statistics are correct, chances are pretty good that I will one day battle the disease myself. My father did. He died from a form of lymphoma in his early fifties--He was much too young. It's been many, many years since he left this earth, but it takes only a small reminder, like the article I came across, to carry me back to those days when he fought and lost.

Back in the 70's cancer was a dreaded word. I remember when my parents gathered all five of us children together to give us the news. Dad was dying. Of course they didn't tell us that right up front, but we knew soon enough. The doctor's told my father that they had no cure for the type of cancer he had, but that with treatment they could give him more time, possibly a couple of years.

With children still at home, my dad chose to fight for the time. Instead of two he battled hard and gained six. I'll never forget his war with cancer, the day of his death and a wet rainy afternoon when we laid him in the ground. But, what stands out above all the painful memories is the bright shining example he set for those close to him--how to live while dying. I still miss him, but when I consider how he lived out his final six years I smile as love and pride well up inside of me.

Chemo is rough and back then it could be torture. But he bravely faced the chemicals and radiation and shunned any notion that the disease and the treatments that came along with it would keep him down. He went right on living--every day. He understood that each day was a gift and he wasn't going to let even one slip by him. He never missed a day of work in five and a half years. He went sailing and fishing, worked in his garden, fished, played with his family and he laughed. . . a lot. He didn't waste one precious day. And in all those years I never heard him complain.

My father was the bravest man I've ever known. He stood toe to toe with cancer and although he died, he beat it--He beat its ability to rob him of joy. I have friends, right now, who are in the midst of this kind of battle. Again and again I see the same spark of determination and joy in them that I saw in my father. They refuse to roll over and let a diease destroy their life.

Over the years, my father taught me many lessons, but watching him thrive in the midst of the most difficult battle of his life has made me stronger. I witnessed his life and learned how courageous he truly was. I'm proud to be his daughter and today on World Cancer Day, I honor him. I thank God for giving me a father of character, who taught me by example what it means to live honorably.

We can live with honor, joy and peace even when life throws the worst at us. Let's not just remember on "Cancer Day", but every day. Love, laugh, work, and share yourself with others. Seize the beauty of every moment.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

HOT TOPICS: Blizzards and Weather Woes

Is this the winter that wouldn't end? Blizzards have hit the Midwest again. I'm reminded of a book called the "Long Winter", which was part of the "Little House" series. An entire town nearly perished.

Here in the Northwest, winter is usually about growing webbed feet and trying to stay alive while driving in dense fog. We get our cold snaps and a bit of snow now and then, but I'm grateful for our generally mind weather. I'm especially thankful when I see what's happening in the midwest and along the east coast. I can't imagine living in a deep freeze for days on end, one storm after another, even with my Alaskan heritage.

I'm in the midst of another Alaskan tale so that's where my mind and heart is. Alaskans are hearty folks. They have to be to live in one of the most spectacular, yet daunting places on earth. The weather alone, is more than most can tolerate.

Did you know that the lowest temperature recorded reached -80 degrees at a place called Prospect Creek Camp? It was January 3rd, 1971. Brrr--too cold for me. The most precipitation recorded in one year was 332.29 inches, which fell in McCloud Harbor back in 1976. Anyone up for a chilly swim? The most snowfall in one month occurred in Thompson Pass in February 1953 -- 297.9 inches! I don't think even the heavy duty mountain snow plows would be of any help with that much snow. They get plenty of wind in Alaska. The highest sustained winds were recorded at 139 MPH. They blew through Shemya Island in December 1959. Even the brave bush pilots were grounded on that day. And can you imagine a snow pack of 356 inches? That happened on Wolverine Glacier, the winter of 1976/77.

Our friends in the midwest and the east coast are suffering. They need our prayers, but let's not forget our dear friends to the north who live with weather challenges every year.

I'll bet most of us have a winter tale to tell. I'd love to hear yours.

Happy Day,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- The Key

There's a key to unlocking the door to contentment. It's right in front of us, but we often frantically look for it and can't find it. The reason is, we're looking in the wrong places.

That's me. I do it all the time--even after all the years I've walked with the Lord--I take wrong turns and get myself lost. In the last couple of years, it feels like my life has been one storm after another, and the last five months I've had so many darts hurled my way, I've lost count. The enemy has been at work. And life feels like one big question mark. I don't have the answers so I've done what I often do--worry and fret. Which, by the way doesn't help at all.

Life will always have challenges and surprises. We can't be certain what tomorrow will bring. Why then, do we get ourselves into a worry and fret cycle? At other times, even when we're thrown into the biggest train wreck, we feel peace and we're good right where we are, trusting God. What makes the difference? I guess that depends upon who we are. Usually our strengths are what get us into trouble--they become weaknesses because we depend upon them. We need to know what they are--the enemy does.

I'm a problem solver--I figure there has to be a way to "figure this one out". I've just got to think harder, get out paper and pencil and write down another list--that'll do it. Nope. That's not the way. Not for me, anyway. I want to rely on myself and my own mind. The natural gifts the Lord has given me are helpful, but before I go to them I first need to go to Him. He's the one with the answers. When I get that straight, then peace that passes all understanding drapes its gentle arms around me. Worry and stress slip away and leave me with God's blessed peace.

God's it. He's the answer--every time. He holds the key.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

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

New Years Resolutions: How Are You Doing?

I didn't make a resolution this year, so to speak, but it has been on my heart to love like Jesus loved. I see so much cruelty in the world and it makes me want to cry. However, loving like Jesus loves is a tough (actually impossible) goal. He gave His life. I'm certain He doesn't expect me to be nailed to a cross, but I am to offer my life up to His use and I'm expected to be patient and kind, to not be jealous or boastful or proud or rude. I should never demand my own way, nor be irritable. And I cannot keep a record of wrongs done to me. And I should not rejoice over an injustice, but rather rejoice whenever the truth wins out. I should never give up, never lose faith always be hopeful and endure through every circumstance.

That's a tough list of to-do's and not to-do's. But they are found in I Corinthians 13, and are clearly laid out as examples to Me. So, how I been doing? I've already let God down. But I'm not giving up.

Did you make a resolution? How are you doing?

Grace and peace to you from God.

Quiet Moments With God -- Family

This morning, I woke to an empty house. It was just me and my dog, Bentley. It was too quiet, too empty and I felt lonely.

For nearly two weeks we've had a houseful of family. There were moms and dads, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews and grandparents. They came from around the globe. We gathered to celebrate Christmas . . . together. We gabbed, laughed, cried, baked, played games, made snowmen and went sledding, and we remembered Christ. We even shared the flu.(that part could have been left out.) It was a time to build memories, and it ended with warm hearts and tearful farewells.

The last of my family left yesterday. Today I felt sad. I wish so badly that we lived close enough to see each other whenever we liked. It's a wonderful gift to be part of a family who loves one another, warts and all.

As I contemplate on time spent with loved ones I realize how limited my vision is. Family is more than those in my personal lineage. I have a huge family made up of Christian brothers and sisters. We're tied to one another by blood--the blood of Christ. And we have the most outstanding Father who takes good care of each one of us. He even knows the number of hairs on our heads. Amazing!

Rather than feel sad, it is time to rejoice and to settle into the quiet presence of my Heavenly Father--to hear His heart and to feel His peace.

We're family. Let us be mindful of one another. Pray for each other. Clasp arms and rejoice as we dance in the glow of our Father's love.

When I woke this morning, feeling alone I was wrong. I'm never alone--I have all of you and my Father in heaven, who is always with me. I need only stop and listen and I will hear his voice and feel His presence.

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

QUIET MOMENTS WITH GOD -- A CHALLENGE

Christmas is only twelve days away. The malls and stores are crowded with harried shoppers, who seem to have forgotten what the season is all about--Love, Joy, Peace--Christ.

I was reading in 2nd Peter this morning in chapter one vs 19. and these words leaped out at me, The words of the prophets are like a lamp shining in a dark place. I thought about believers who are in the midst of the shopping crowds. Are we a light in a dark world?

In recent years I've had great fun shining a bit of light of my own -- at my local Walmart or Fred Meyer or Costco. I love to look people in the eye, smile and tell them "Merry Christmas". Always . . . always I receive a smile and a Merry Christmas in return. Sometimes there is a look of pleasant surprise or the recognition of one Christian to another. And often I've watched the person move on, their step a little lighter.

So, my challenge to you this week is to reach out and be a light. Share the joy that is Christmas with others. I'd love to hear what you did and what the response was. There are lots of ways to shine a light into the darkness--be creative and have fun.



MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Quiet Moments With God -- Hope In Christ

This morning I awoke feeling tired of the battle. I sought out God. I needed to feel His presence, His comfort. And I needed to listen to Him, not to me. A picture of trees in bloom fillled my mind, and I knew that spring is coming. And then I heard that quiet voice, I know so well, saying, "Hope in Me."

When we despair or are filled with fear or temptation where do we go? Where do we place our trust? In our government? Our job? Our church? Or our own strength? None of these or the hundreds of other places we go for aid or even salvation are steady. They cannot be trusted. There is only one who will never lead us astray, who will always provide for our needs, who will hold us up under the greatest sorrow -- Our Lord.

Isaiah 40:31 says, "Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength."

Rest in His capable, compassionate and reliable arms. And no matter what terrible place you may find yourself, remember there is HOPE . . . always hope . . . in Him, the creator of all things.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Be Ready To Suffer

Suffer? I don't like that word or the experience. However, it is part of the real world we live in. Some of us rale at it or we ask why, again and again. Sometimes I gripe--loudly. What we need to do is see our sufferings as opportunities.

1 Peter 4:1 says, "So then, since Christ suffered physical pain, you must arm yourselves with the same attitude he had, and be ready to suffer, too."

How do you feel when you read that? My first reaction is--Nope. Not me. Suffering is meant for someone else. Or I figure I can learn what I need without experiencing the really hard stuff. Thinking like that means I need an attitude adjustment. Scripture says, we're to have the same attitude as Christ. How do we do that? He suffered in ways we can't even understand. The question we should ask is, are we willing? Will we do what God asks --at any cost?

We need to look that question straight in the eye and decide--Christ's way or mine?

God can do amazing work through broken hearts and broken bodies. Take His hand, listen to His voice and follow Him. He will not let you down.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Delights!

Our lives are filled with delightful moments and events. Some of my favorites are tender kisses from my husband, fresh falling snow, time to gaze at a clear night sky glittering with stars and the thrill of a spring storm and a long list of other goodies. My favorite delight is time spent with loved ones.

This morning, my daughter Kristina strolled over to my place and we had a long chat. We talked about all kinds of things--silly stuff, plans for Christmas, and even life-changing decisions that need to be made. When she first showed up, I battled over whether to visit or to stick to my plan and get to work. In the end, time with my daughter won out and I gave myself over to the pleasure.

When my children were young, my office had a sofa and if my kids wanted to plop down on it to take a break from their busy schedules of play so they could visit, I'd made a commitment to always stop and listen. They were a higher priority than my job. They usually didn't stay long. I think they just needed to be reminded that I was there and that they mattered. Soon they'd be off after some new form of entertainment. Now many years later, I think back to those interruptions and I'm so thankful for the delight they brought into my life.

My children are still showing up, but not as often. When they do, however, it is still a delight. And just as in those early days, my work shouts for attention. But for me the priorities are more clouded. What matters most--work of family? My children are grown up. Do they need me "right now"? Sometimes the answer is yes and sometimes it's no. But time together is still as important as ever, maybe more so.

If that's true, why does the question about how to spend my time feel less defined? I'm not sure, except that when my children were young, although I worked, I was still a full time mom. Now, my grown children have their own lives and I have mine. I sometimes have to make the hard decision to work instead of chat. But whenever possible I choose family over work, even if that means working late into the evening (like tonight). I'm not willing to give up the treat of connecting with the ones I love. They are gifts from God.

There is a thing called balance and I believe in it. I'm still searching for "perfect" balance, athough I'm certain I'll never find it. What I do know is that I can't get back treasured moments I've lost. However, work will always be here, the sink will have more dishes tomorrow, dust will reappear and there is always a book to be completed.

Have you let the delights of life go by because the voice of work and responsibilty shouted loudly? Don't listen too closely to that voice, just enough to draw near to balance.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Take time.

Remember who you are in Christ.

Give thanks.

Enjoy family and friends.

And for those of you who dare to venture out -- Have fun on Black Friday.


See you after the holiday!


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie