Quiet Moments With God -- A New Creation

My heart is full. I spent several hours continuing my interviews with Bonnie Preschern, a native woman who grew up in Alaska. I am working on her memoir, an amazing story of survival and redemption. She lived a life few have ever known. She has every reason to be bitter . . . but she's not. She is a light that casts a glow of forgiveness and wonder on the greatness of God.

I don't want to give away her story because I want you to read the book so I won't say more about that, except that Bonnie is a walking miracle and is now a living, breathing example of what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

When she speaks I listen. I see the love of God in her eyes and hear it in her voice and see it in her actions. When she speaks of Him and of how blessed she is her eyes flood with tears and so do mine.

When we place our faith in Christ we are a new creation. I've witnessed it in others who are close to me and in me the day I received the love and forgiveness offered by my Lord. And once more God is reminding me of His grace and love and His power through a wounded woman who loves Him with her whole heart.

We have so much to be thankful for. Are we a light to the world? Do we demonstrate the transformation of the new creation--us?

God has given much. Don't forget to thank Him. And to tell others of His goodness.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day -- Reason to Rejoice!

The first week of October, my eighty-seven-year-old mother underwent open heart surgery to replace a bad valve, correct an irregular heart rhythm and to perform a single bi-pass. She experienced horrific pain and a grueling recovery. Even so, in the days following the surgery all signs were good . . . and then her pain increased and she started going downhill in every way. Staph had invaded the incision in her chest. This powerful infection sent my mother and our family on a journey we hadn't expected.

More than once we thought we'd lose her. In fact, one night in the ER my mother and I said our farewells. I had some serious and heart wrenching discussions with God. I didn't understand why he would allow an eighty-seven-year-old woman to suffer so terribly. In my mind He should either heal her or welcome her home to heaven. But then, I'm not God.

Yesterday, in the worst snow storm since the 1980's, Mom went home . . . to her comfy chair in front of her fireplace and the loving care of her husband. She's happy and counting on more time to enjoy this precious life. She's stronger. She's happy. And she's thankful.

Through the difficult and arduous weeks we've all grown and we've changed--for the better. Mom has always been a thankful person, but is even more so now. And I believe she appreciates every day in a way she never did before. I think I can speak for her children and her grandchildren when I say, we see our relationship with her as even more precious than we did before. On a personal level I'm so proud of and thankful for my stepfather. He was steadfast, always beside Mom and continues to do so today. All the days and weeks and months while Mom fought to live, he made sure to see her every day and did all in his power to make her life more comfortable. And he became a better man. He has my admiration and my support. The bond between us is stronger because of the ordeal we've shared.

I don't have an answer as to why God allowed this to happen to my sweet mother, but I have seen His work in the midst of it. And I thank Him for that and for keeping His hand upon my her and for giving us more time together. God is good . . . no matter what the circumstances. Praising Him!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Another Winner!

Anna has informed me that she already has a copy of Judy's book and has asked me to draw a new winner. And . . . the winner is . . . JoAnn Brown!

JoAnn, can you contact me through the website by hitting the contact button? Make sure to include your mailing address so I can get it to Judy.

Congratulations and bless you.

Bonnie

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

Anna Popescu, you have won a copy of Judy Gann's book, The God of all Comfort! Congratulations!

Please hit the contact button on my website and leave your mailing address. I'll make sure to get it to Judy.

And thank you, Judy for being my guest this month and sharing your words of wisdom with us.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

MAKING A DIFFERENCE -- Meet Judy Gann

Judy, I’ve known you for a good number of years. And I’ve watched as your sweet spirit reaches out to those around you. You are definitely a person making a difference. I’m privileged to call you my friend. I’d love it if my readers could become better acquainted with you. Can you share a little about your background, and can you tell us who Judy Gann is?

Thank you for the warm welcome, Bonnie. I’m humbled and honored to be a participant in your “Make a Difference” series. I hope my story will illustrate that God can use us to make a difference in our sphere of
influence—regardless of our personal limitations and obstacles.

I grew up in a loving, close family near the beach in San Diego. I became a Christian through the ministry of The Navigators while in college. After college I taught elementary school and later became a children’s librarian.

I’ve lived with chronic illness most of my life—immune system problems. Although at times I want to shout, “There’s more to me than my illness!” I know my health issues have been used by God to mold me into the person I am today. Stubborn and independent by nature, I know, if not for my illnesses, I would rely on my own strength, not the Lord’s. Because of my own health issues, I have a great understanding and compassion for people with physical and emotional limitations.

I’ve been told that my spiritual gift is encouragement. My greatest joy is found in offering hope and encouragement to others—whether through friendship, mentoring younger women at church, writing, or speaking.

And an encourager is exactly what you are. I’ve been the recipient many times. Thank you.

• You were involved in a ministry called Rest Ministries. Can you tell us about this ministry and what your role has been in this valuable organization?

Rest Ministries (www.restministries.org )is an international Christian support ministry for people with chronic illness and chronic pain. Lisa Copen, the Director of Rest Ministries, runs the ministry from her home—in spite of her own chronic illnesses. Rest Ministries provides Christian hope, comfort, and encouragement through a variety of resources: daily devotional, support groups, articles, e-mail loops, prayer groups, etc. It is the first resource I give to friends and acquaintances who are diagnosed with chronic illness.

For several years I had the privilege of serving as Writers’ Coordinator for Rest Ministries. I monitored an online group of people interested in helping others by sharing their experiences with illness through the written word. In addition, I represented Rest Ministries’ HopeKeepers Magazine at writers conferences. I loved meeting with aspiring writers. God’s lead me in new directions now, but I’ll always treasure the time I spent with Rest Ministries.

Rest Ministries has been a great help to me. I receive their daily devotionals and often pass them on to twitter or to friends who can use a word of encouragement. It’s very helpful.

• Your book, God of All Comfort is still in print many years after its original release. What motivated you to write this enriching devotional? How did you come to write it and why do you think it is still in demand?


Books and words were always a part of my life and I always dreamed of writing books like the ones I read so voraciously. But busy with the priorities of daily life, I stowed my dream of writing until I had more time.

Then several years ago a brutal allergic reaction to medication severely impaired my cognitive abilities. After spending nearly a year bedridden, I returned to work, only to find I’d lost the ability to write even a simple memo. My dream of writing crumbled.

Over the next seven years my cognitive abilities—including writing—gradually improved. I came to view my ability to write as a gift from God. God is the God of second chances. He gave my writing ability back to me, and I now have a responsibility to use it for Him.

These thoughts were in the back of my mind when one day a few years later, a friend asked me, “Judy, which Scripture passages comfort and encourage you when you’re battling poor health?” My friend’s question stayed in my mind long after I’d given a list of verses to her. Later, they became the basis for The God of All Comfort: Devotions of Hope for Those Who Chronically Suffer(AMG Publishers).

My purpose in writing a devotional book for people with illness was to draw them into God’s word to find the comfort, strength and hope for living with chronic illnesses. It’s my way of comforting others with the comfort God’s given me. (2 Cor. 1:3-4) I interviewed seventeen other people with illness so the application is broader than my own experience with illness.

I think the reason this book is still in demand is that illness is, unfortunately, one of those “evergreen” topics. Chronic illness doesn’t go away. We’re living longer and the large population of baby boomers is dealing with the effects of aging.

Judy has graciously consented to give away a copy of her book, The God of All Comfort. Leave a comment and I’ll make sure to include you in a drawing for this wonderful devotional.

• You are a busy woman, involved with your family and numerous other ventures. It seems you’re always jetting off somewhere. Can you tell us about some of your activities, including the fabulous novel you’re presently working on? Taking into account all of you’re enterprises is there one that is closest to your heart? And what do you see yourself doing in the future?

I’m hoping this year involves a bit less “jetting off” as you put it. LOL
It’s a bit of a toss-up, but I think writing my novel is closest to my heart for 2012. I’ve always loved to read fiction and been a firm believer in the power of stories to convey biblical truth and hope. While attending an American Christian Fiction Writers Conference to teach a workshop on marketing to libraries, I took a beginning fiction class and was hooked on writing fiction. But, it wasn’t until a comment from a member of my writing prayer team collided with a news item that I knew I had my story. It’s very much a WIP, but I’d like to finish my manuscript by next July.
Another project dear to my heart is Library Insider ®, an innovative tool to assist authors and publishers in marketing to public libraries, in partnership with Books & Such Literary Agency. Library Insider consists of a regularly updated database of major libraries in the United States along with the contact information for the book purchasing decision makers, usually the acquisitions librarians. Training and additional marketing resources are also available. For more information see www.libraryinsider.com.

For the future, I’d like to continue writing fiction and assisting authors and publishers in marketing to public libraries. I’d like this year to be a year of reconnecting with my church, family and friends. I tend to be too focused on tasks and sometimes let relationships slide.

• Is there anything you’d like to add to this discussion? And how can we best pray for you?

I’m continually in awe of God’s provision of strength in the midst of my physical weakness; the ability He gives me to do all He calls me to do. I pray that your readers will be encouraged to examine their own spheres of influence and see where the Lord is calling them to make a difference. You may feel limited. But, God’s strength shows up best in our areas of weakness.

Each year, with much prayer, I choose a word for the year. This year’s word is “savor.” Please pray that I will savor what the Lord has for me in each moment and experience as it’s happening, rather than getting caught up in busyness and thinking about the next thing on the agenda.

Thanks so much for the privilege of sharing with you!

Thank you, Judy, for sharing your life, wisdom and vision. You are an inspiration to others.

Quiet Moments With God -- Rejoice In The New Year

In two hours it will be a new year--a time of new beginnings. We might even want to call it a do-over, if we're not happy with the last year. After the ball drops in Times Square I usually spend time thinking on the good and the bad of the year I've just traveled through, and I contemplate on the year to come.

The big question for me this year is, "Where does God want to take me?" And, "Am I willing to go there?" I don't know what will be required of me, but I do know that whatever God has planned is the best. He knows the beginning and the end. He sees it all. I can trust Him.

I've decided that this year will be marked by praise. I will rejoice.

Even during the dark days my future is bright because God is there. He will never forsake me. I am His. And therefore my life is His to do as He wills. And I will do my utmost to trust and to do as He asks.

And so, I begin with prayer.

"Father, may you always be before me. Do not allow me to become distracted by the cares and worries of this world. I pray that my heart and mind will remain focused upon you. I long to know you better, to be fully committed to your calling, to be the kind of person who loves the unlovely. May the fruit of the Holy Spirit flow from my spirit--that I would demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control in all that I do. As this year begins I place my life, once again, in your capable hands. Hands that hold, nurture and discipline. Hands where I can rest. Help me to shine a light upon you. Give me courage. I am weak and afraid, yet I know that with you I have nothing to fear. Thank you for your mercy and your love. There is none other like you.

Amen."

I encourage you to begin this year with a prayer. Seek The One who offers the only way to real change. And again I say REJOICE!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Topic of the Day -- Fifty Year Resolution

Last evening I attended a 50th wedding anniversary party for some dear friends. There were stories, photographs, songs, prayers and reminders of what it took to reach a fifty year anniversary. This couple was committed. They resolved to remain together. They resolved to be faithful. They resolved to do their best to help the other be their best. And most importantly, they resolved to make Christ the core of who they are as individuals and as a couple.

With the New Year approaching I got to thinking about resolutions. Many of us make them. Few of us uphold them. Our world is full of broken promises. Too many of us take promises lightly. And so, I have resolved to make a New Year resolution . . . but I'm going to think on it, pray about it and it's going to matter. I could come up with a list of needed resolutions, but I'm only choosing one, but that one must hit me at my core and promise true change within.

What is it? I don't know yet. I'm still praying about it. But just the idea of determining to make a promise to myself and to God and resolving to keep that promise is exciting and intimidating.

My husband and I have been married forty years. I'll be honest--it has nothing to do with me. It's God. The day I walked down the aisle I wasn't even certain I wanted to marry my fiance and I remember thinking, If it doesn't work out, I can get a divorce. That's pathetic, and I am grateful to God for holding us together.

A lot has happened since that day. I've grown older and fatter and I'm not so pretty any more, at least not on the outside, but in my core there is a place where my Lord lives and He continues to mold and change me.

This year's resolution is one more step in my growing up. And though I don't know yet what it will be I'm certain it will make life better and my relationship with God richer--because it's for Him and about Him.

And so, congratulations to my dear friends. Your fifty year commitment to each other has touched the lives of so many. Your resolution blessed us. Now it is up to us to play it forward and bless others with our own resolutions.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- A Baby Changes Everything

It is Christmas Eve. Every year I take time on this holy night to reflect, remember why there is Christmas.

In the midst of the excitement of Christmas preparations and my new book news it's easy to lose sight of what this day is all about. Emmanuel has come. God is with us! HE IS WITH US! How do we get our minds and hearts around this unbelievable gift?

What kind of love gives everything? God gave His only Son, He offered Himself. He came in the form of an infant, placed His life in the hands of a man and a woman. And then, ultimately, He sacrificed his life for ours.

My word for this year is WORSHIP. How precious it is to bow before the Lord and remember all that He has done. I long to know Him more deeply, more intimately, and to love, obey, and worship Him. If only I could walk every step with Him in mind, grateful for every breath, every moment, every opportunity. I pray my heart will be filled with the kind of love He offers to us.

This Christmas, remember Him and . . . Rejoice!

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

EXCITING NEWS!!!

I intend to write a Christmas note tomorrow evening, but today I cant' wait to give you the news. The first book in my Sydney Cove Series, TO LOVE ANEW is NOW FREE on Kindle, Nook and other places. There's still time to download it for Christmas! And if Santa leaves something special just for reading under your tree I'd be thrilled to introduce early Australia and John and Hannah to you on your new Nook or Kindle!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

SOMETHING SPECIAL: Thanks Fer Givin'

Recently while visiting a friend she shared a wonderful piece of cowboy poetry with me. I want to share it with you. By the way, she wrote it.




The old man rose from the table,
Said, "Thar's somethin' I gotta do."
T'weren't no question 'bout what it was.
The family, they all knew.

His wife's fine feast sat before him.
And she'd outdone herself, o'course.
Sure, his mind was on his belly,
But his heart was on his horse.

The old woman sittin' beside him
gave his wrinkled worn hand a squeeze.
She knew where the old man was goin',
It touched her old heart.
She was pleased.

While the man made his way to the pasture.
The old woman went on with her prayer.
She blesed the food there before them.
And the heart of her old man--out there.

The gelding he loved was old now.
The years, they'd left their mark.
But that somethin' tween the two of'm
Was more than just a spark.

His outstretched hand stroked the muzzle.
The other held a bucket of grain.
He pondered once more, 'bout days gone by.
With feeble fingers, he patted its mane.

"Thanks for givin'," the old man began.
"Yer all, to th' likes of me.
I'm grateful fer yer gut n' grit,
Fer th' price ya paid, tweren't free.

"Thanks fer givin' when th' days was hot,
And when th' rain soaked m'saddle through.
What got th' work done, th' two of us knows,
Weren't my strength at all, it were you.

"Thanks fer givin," the old man went on,
"When th' sun set an' we was half done.
When them beeves, jist fer spite,
splintered ever' which-a-way,
Kept us both movin' hard on th' run.

"Old friend, ya been more than faithful,
And see'd ever' job clean through.
Ya gave me yer all when youth was yourn,
Now I'll be a-caring fer you.

"Lord, take care o' this ol' buckskin.
See'm right through ta his end.
Cause thar ain't never been a more faithful mount.
No better a faithful friend.

"He deserves it, ya see, dear Father,
Done worked hard beyond his due.
How and when he meets his end.
I'll be leavin' that, Lord, up to You.

"Jist give'm greener pastures
Fer helpin' me make m'livin'.
Remind'm now and then fer me.
Jist tell'm 'Thanks fer givin'."

The old cowboy stood a-starin',
Allowing nostalgia near,
A-way out in the pasture,
Where no one else could hear.

"Thanks fer givin," he stroked him once more.
"I'll be a-headin' back now.
Enjoy yer grain, eat it nice n' slow
An don't be a-runnin' them cows."

His contented look as he sat back down,
Brought a smile to those sittin' there.
The old man had tended to busines first.
Without fanfare he spoke out a prayer.

"Lord, thanks fer givin' ta them gathered here,
"Fer good health, an our way a livin'.
"Thanks fer loanin' ol' buckskin to me.
"An bless'm, dear Lord . . . fer givin'."


Written by my dear friend, Deborah J. Note of Eagle Point Oregon


Thank you DJ for helping us feel one of the souls God's givin'.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day -- Don't Forget To Sail

When I was young I never imagined that as I aged that I'd be tempted to skip out on special events. After all, they made life richer. What I didn't understand then, but do now is that for some of us going out can be a challenging process of--taking it easy during the day so that we have the energy we need and the physical ability to attend a party, picnic, concert or whatever. Once you arrive at a happening stairs can be a problem, seating another challenge, the number of steps you'll have to take . . . And if you have allergies you will pray that the person next to you isn't wearing the "wrong" perfume or that they are a smoker.

There are a whole list of issues I never considered years ago. I just went where and when I pleased. And I loved it. These days I stay home more than I want and I sometimes feel like I've been shut out of the fun.

Last evening our local public school held its annual Christmas band and choral concert. I probably wouldn't have attended, but my grandson plays a trombone in the Junior High band. How could I miss?

The entertainment began with the elementary school band, moved on to the Junior High and then the High School bands and closed with the High School choir. Parking was crowded, but my husband dropped me off. There were stairs, but I climbed them without difficulty. I had to take a special chair to sit in, but my daughter carried it for me and set it up.

The school gym was alive with the sounds of the band preparing for their parts, parents were armed with cameras, friends visited and youngsters skipped from place to place. I felt as if I'd been planted in the midst of a river of community joy, and I was smiling.

The bands played and the vocalists sang and my heart soared. I was so thankful to be there watching the struggling beginnings of the very young and the progression of talent and ability as the program moved onward to the older musicians. It was beautiful to see what happens when youngsters grab hold of something they love and don't let go and continue pressing on through the years. They are blessed and so are all of us who are witness to their special gifts and talents.

Yesterday morning while reading from one of my devotionals I found a quote from Oliver Wendell Holmes. "I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving. To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it, but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor."

I've spent too much time in port. Last evening's performance helped me to sail. And reminded me that I don't dare lie at anchor too often or for too long. There's so much still to see and to do in this world. Last evening the students in my community and their music teachers uplifted my spirits and imprinted another beautiful memory in my mind. They gave me a gift. And I thank them.

And to those of you who find yourselves at anchor more often than you do sailing find the time, the way, and the heart to get out and to soar. Do something you love or discover something you didn't know you loved. Become a part of your community as much as you are able. There are blessings waiting for you "out" there. And we have much that we can give to others when we sail rather than lie at anchor.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Tis The Season

How is the Christmas season for you this year? Is your head full of Christmas carols, gift lists, things to do? Are you singing while you drive along the highway or spending lots of time in the kitchen baking Christmas goodies?

Or are you saying "Tis the season . . . NOOOT?"

For some, this isn't a happy time. In fact, expectations often drag us down. Family time isn't what we'd expected. There's not enough money for "just the right" gift or maybe we have no money at all and there will be no gifts. Some are spending the holidays alone and are lonely. Illness can erase the joy of the season. And often when we most count on family, this is the time when conflicts arise. Christmas can be a sad, sad time.

That's not God's fault. He never intended that we have a commercial Christmas. The Christmas we know is man made. I want to clarify that I'm not a Grinch or a Scrooge. I love Christmas with all it if its beauty and wonder, including good food, gifts, caroling and family gatherings. I love it all. But if we strip away man's version of Christmas we will see the true wonder and beauty of the season. A new born babe. Christ the Son of God. God in the flesh. The Sacrificial lamb. The Savior of the world.

Christmas is the day we celebrate the birth of The One who came to save mankind. He went to the cross out of obedience to His Father. And because of Him, we who believe, look forward to an eternal heavenly reward with our Father God.

Remember the Baby Jesus and you will find joy. Remember Him, the Lord Jesus Christ. Remember those who are without Christ and tell them of God's mercy and grace. Tell them that Christmas is about more than gifts and sparkling lights.

It is a time to celebrate.

Joy to you and to all the world.




Bonnie

Making A Difference - Mistie Shaw

This months very special person is Mistie Shaw. It is a pleasure to introduce her to you. Everywhere she goes, she touches lives just because she is who she is. She can't help but make a difference.


Mistie, we’ve known each other for less than a year. There’s much I don’t know about you, but I do know that you make a difference in peoples’ lives wherever you go. Could you share a little about yourself and your background?

Thanks for asking me to share on your blog, Bonnie!

At the age of six, I asked Jesus to change my heart and make it new and clean. My parents’ commitment to God and missions meant many of our family trips were to Mexico where my dad preached and we helped at an orphanage. I worked at a mission hospital in South Africa the summer I was 18. Except for my career in the Air Force Reserve, I was a stay-at-home mom when my three kids were young. That gave me many opportunities to do local “missions” things: cook for a half-way house, teach Bible studies, start small groups and write. My skits, monologues and several musical dramas were produced by our church. After three semesters of music theory at the local community college, I was finally able to write the music for the songs. . .that was in my 40s.

When I was 50 and my kids were grown, I sensed God calling me to a deeper walk and full-time service. Christian mentors said I needed to go to grad school and, in a funny chain of events, God “tricked” me into enrolling.


You’ve done a good deal of traveling, but I understand that you have a special love for China. Why China? Can you give us a glimpse into the people and the place?

After a painful divorce in my mid-50s, it seemed like the doors of opportunity kept slamming in my face. Finally, I was accepted by the Peace Corps, but at the last minute they asked me to wait a year, “Due to unresolved major life issues.” I was ready to go and it seemed like God had another plan. I followed my heart via the Internet and became an ESL teacher at a university in China.

I’m not a missionary. China doesn’t allow people to proselytize. I just live there and love people. Some friends helped me put hands and feet to that love by starting a non-profit that benefits students.

When I left China, my students were stunned and shocked. Even though they knew my beliefs, many of them told me that there was no God. Sharing my cancer story on Caring Bridge at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/MistieShaw, I told them to read it to see how God made a difference in my life. God has used this time of healing to help me grow!

I’d describe China several ways:
• If Mexico is two-dimensional, China is three (re: crowding)
• High tech in the 1930s (I’ve seen farmers harnessed to plows, pulling while they talked on their cell phones)
• Beauty inside (the people) and out (the historical artifacts).


You arrived in Roseburg earlier this year because of illness. Can you tell us a little about that battle and what kind of effect it has had on your life? How are you doing today?

The autumn of 2010, I was moving into a new, greatly-anticipated apartment. In prayer, I confessed my sense of comfort and told God how much I loved my life. Suddenly I found myself in tears, asking God not to use me but to use me up to make a difference in my students’ lives. Shortly afterwards, I discovered a lump in my breast. An American doctor diagnosed it as breast cancer – later determined to be Stage 3 – and told me to return to the states immediately. I was able to start treatment at the VA hospital in San Diego, where my parents and two of my children live. While going through chemotherapy and radiation treatment, I needed a more permanent place to live so went to stay with my sister in Roseburg. It was a very good move!

Last month, a bone scan revealed no cancer. My passport has a visa and there's a January 13, 2012 ticket to China with my name on it. :D

I know how you’ve longed to return to China and I am cheering you on. It will be exciting to hear what’s happening with you and the people and place you love.


How would you answer the question, “Who is Mistie Shaw?”


Life offers nothing more beautiful, exciting, satisfying, or rewarding than serving God. I am a very flawed but passionate Christ-follower who is joyful because God uses Christians who are available and willing. People look at our outsides and make judgments about our worth, our abilities and even our natures; God sees what we really are like and then makes us whole. For a long time one of my most fervent prayers has been that people would see Jesus when they see me.

He has answered that prayer.


In the months I’ve known you, I’ve witnessed your close walk with Christ. You are not typical. Why do you think that is? And can you share your favorite scripture and why it’s your favorite?

I don’t use the word typical because God sees each of us as unique, created for specific purposes. Time and again, I’ve seen how some crazy habit or little talent is used by God. . . .because of a willingness to try.

One day, during devotions – writing “I love you, God” in my journal – and eating chocolates, I sensed God asking me if I loved Him more than chocolate. Nonchalantly, I answered yes. Then God said something like, “Show me.” Would God really ask me to give up my very most favorite food? After a lot of hemming and hawing while I finished the two-pound box of candy, I said, “Okay, but you’ll have to do it because I can’t and don’t even really want to. . .”

That little step of faith, and the results it brought, inspired me to find other ways to trust God. Americans are so independent, we don’t truly need God for life’s essentials. So, creating artificial ways of requiring myself to have faith helped it grow stronger. For example, I gave up the car radio (temporarily), and alarm clocks (permanently). Faith has made a huge difference in my life.

In trying to understand God’s plan, I found comfort in Paul’s writing. “All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too.” (II Corinthians 1:3-5, The Message)


Is there anything you’d like to add? How can we best pray for you?


All that I am and anything I am able to do, is through the strength and power of Jesus, for the glory of God. It is God making a difference and I’m thrilled to be a part of the action.

Please pray for my family. As daughter, mom and Grammy, my stateside responsibilities sometimes seem overwhelming from 6,000 miles away.

Thank you for the chance to share my heart and my passion!


And thank you for sharing with us, Mistie. Though the circumstances of your coming to Roseburg were not what most would have chosen, I'm so thankful you came. Grace and peace to you from God.



You can read more from Mistie at http://mistieshaw.suite101.com.

Quiet Moments With God -- Roots of Love

This morning, feeling heavy-hearted, I picked up my devotional and my Bible. I prayed the Lord would meet with me. And of course there he was, waiting. He knows my thoughts before I speak a word of them. He knows every sorrow, every worry and all my joys. He's amazing Father God whose love never fails.

I read and prayed and then rested in His gentle, capable hands. And then I went to a section of scripture that has comforted me many times--Ephesians 3:16 - 19. "I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep is his love."

Years ago, while my children napped I sat on my back porch and read these same words. I remember stopping to ask God to help me understand more completely. I set my Bible in my lap and looked out at a valley below my home. It was broad and deep and long and I knew that God's love would fill it and more. He gave me a glimpse of how great His love is. It is beyond human comprehension but it is real and will never fail us. It is His love that gives us strength and empowers us to stand against the storms of life, to trust and to forgive and to love. But first we must plant roots in God's love. Only then will we have the ability to rely on Him and to know the reality of a greater love than our own.

Trust in His love, not man's wobbling version of it, for God's love will never fail us.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic Of The Day-- At A Dead Stop?

While going through some of the photos recently taken while on a trip to Seattle I came across one I took while stuck in a traffic jam. It reminded me of my life.

We'd been zipping along on the freeway when all of a sudden we were forced to a stop, surrounded by cars on every side. The freeway had functioned perfectly until it reached a certain threshold of numbers -- too many cars had created a log jam of vehicles.

Sometimes life is like that. We are moving along just fine until we pile on too many obligations or allow others to overload our lives with responsibilities. Have you experienced that place where you feel as if you're stooped beneath the weight of those obligations?

I have. And when it happens it's as if I'm stuck in traffic. I'm not making headway. My work isn't getting done, there's no energy for family or for fun and not even for God. Burn out can be more destructive than we realize. We believe it's only for a time, but sometimes we are unable to climb out of the weariness, the malaise.

The holidays are right in front of us. They contain the perfect recipe for burn out. Before we ruin our favorite time of year by over extending ourselves let's take stock of what really matters. Do what we want, not what's expected. And decide what really matters to us. The rest needs to be left to another time . . . or maybe never.

The house doesn't have to be spotless. Our tables don't need to look like something we've see in Good Housekeeping and we don't have to attend every outreach program or party we're invited to. Say no and find the joy in the season. Remember why we celebrate.

May you all have a holiday season filled with love, joy and peace.

Grace and peace to you,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day -- Random Thoughts

My daughter Sarah and I just returned home from one of several trips to Washington. My eighty-six-year-old mother had open heart surgery six weeks ago. It wasn't what we expected.





Random Thoughts

Mom should be home -- Instead she's still sick, but she hasn't lost her smile.

I think staph infections are evil.

A Wound Vac is brutal but can save lives. I hope it saves my mother's.

Thank you God for doctors and nurses who care.

Mom wants to go home, but which home? You know God.

Why is it that when I remember and smile I also cry?

I love my mother's smile and her sweet disposition.

Mom loves to tell stories and I love to listen.

Love is powerful, healing and lasts forever.

I thank you God for my life -- It's been full of love and wonderful stories.

Memories are treasures.

I'm grateful for my mother--she taught me love and forgiveness.

I don't like cities--it's wonderful to be back in my peaceful country home.

Suffering is not necessarily bad, but I hate it.

We don't always have to understand why we feel the way we do.

Trust God -- He'll carry us home to heaven when the time is right.

Thank you Mom for loving me the way you do and for the many precious memories.



Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic of the Day -- The Death of Bookstores?

Bookstores are dying off--a bitter pill for readers, bookstore owners and writers to swallow. Why aren't we gathering together in protest, carrying our signs and demanding that someone save our our beloved stores?

Okay . . . protests may be a bit much, but we aren't helpless. We don't have to allow the stores to fail and drop by the wayside. We do have power. It's time to stand up to the bookstore slayers like Amazon and say, "Enough is enough."

Here in my town, we've already lost our bookstores. It's hard to believe.

Have you envisioned a world without bookstores? Will our only local choices be Walmart or Fred Meyer? That would be ugly -- best sellers only and almost no Christian fiction.

What can we do? First take a look at Ann Patchett. She did something. You can read her story at http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/16/us/ann-patchett-bucks-bookstore-tide-opening-her-own.html?smid.

Hooray for Ann! And there are others of you out there who are able to follow in her footsteps. Please don't wait. We need independent bookstores. The world just won't be the same without them.

If you're in the market and are managing a successful bookstore teach others how to do it. If you're struggling reach out for help, study the market, work smart and get creative. If you do "Readears will come".

And readers, we must band together. Buy books at your local stores. Remember how it used to be--a friendly local merchant chatted with you and often recommended just the right book, we used to get together with other readers and compare best reads, aisles filled with books, the smell of ink. Buying a book with the click of a button is easier but at what cost? Think about it before you click again.

I'm not anti kindle. After all, as a writer I make money off ebook sales. And I sometimes purchase books online, usually used books that I need for research, but I do shop online from time to time. Maybe there's room for both the hometown store and the online store. I'm just asking that you remember your local stores and don't turn your back on them. The owners work hard, they've made a huge investment of time, money and heart. And I have trouble with mega stores that have too much power and too much control over what we read. And personal? I don't think so.

Give it some thought. Here in my town we miss our local stores. The nearest full service bookstore is now ninety miles from my home. Such a sad outcome for me and other local readers. Ninety miles is a long drive to buy a book.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Heaven Waits

Heaven waits for us. God's Word tells us that His children will spend eternity with Him there. And God doesn't lie. These days I cling to this promise more and more.

My mother had open heart surgery four weeks ago. At age eighty-six we were uncertain that she'd survive the surgery, but she did. We were grateful, but the weeks that have followed have been harrowing and full of physical suffering.

I spent a week with my Mom when she had the surgery. When I felt that she was stable I returned home. Last weekend I made the trip north again to see her. She's been staying at a rehab center for three weeks and will remain there until she is strong enough and healthy enough to return home. It's been grueling for her.

While I was visiting last week, Mom's health declined and she developed an infection in the wound where her chest had been opened. Uncertain what was causing the pain and swelling in her chest she was rushed to a nearby hospital emergency room where doctors proceeded to poke and prod in search of an answer. It was torture for my mother and for those of us who love her. To make matters worse, we were told that she might have to face another surgery.

We waited, prayed and took turns sitting with her. When I sat with her I watched the monitors and her uneven breathing. She's so thin I could see the undulating rhythm of her heart through her chest wall.

When she stirred, I stood to check on her. She gazed up at me and a smile touched her lips. Her hazel eyes were alight with love and she said, "I'm so thankful you're here. I love you so much." I rested a hand on her cheek, then smoothed her forehead and told her what a wonderful mother she was and how much I loved her. It felt as if we were saying good-bye.

Even now when I think of that moment my eyes fill with tears. But they aren't tears of sorrow, though I feel that, they are tears of gratitude. How blessed I am to be loved so deeply and to love someone the way I do my mother. She blesses me and makes my life richer. To see her in the midst of suffering and yet be filled with gratitude and love is an amazing thing. Death was close, but Mom was not afraid for she believed God's promise of heaven.

Mom is still with us. She's better, but far from well. I don't know what the days ahead will bring. I do know that we each have a certain number of days on this earth, and then we will die. It is my prayer that my mother will have more good years here with us, but one day she will go home to God where many loved ones wait for her.

God's gift of His Son soothes me with peace in these difficult days. I think of heaven and imagine what it will be like to have all of eternity to share with those I love.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

MAKING A DIFFERENCE-- Nicole Lewis

I’m thrilled to introduce a new feature to my blog – MAKING A DIFFERENCE.

The first week of each month I will introduce you to someone who is making a difference in their part of the world. We’ve all crossed paths with someone who has altered our lives for the better. I'd like to share some of these special people with you and give you an opportunity to meet someone new and I hope take time to pray for them.

This month I’d like to introduce a special young woman whom I’ve known since she was a girl. Nicole Lewis serves as National Director of Student Led Movements in Italy for Campus Crusade for Christ.

1. Can you tell us a little about yourself, where you grew up, your family, church, things like that. And can you briefly share your spiritual journey?

I grew up in the small and wonderful town of Glide, Oregon. My parents are Oregonian transplants. My Mom is from Montana and my Dad grew up in New York City. This made for a very fun and culturally diverse household. I think it actually has had a great impact on where I am today, living in another culture that is not my own, yet I feel at home.

I came to faith at a young age through a vacation bible school at my home church. I grew up hearing about Jesus, but it wasn’t until that point in my life where what Jesus did on the cross and a desperate need to understand how to be forgiven for the things I was doing, even at a young age, that I heard the message of the gospel and knew it was the answer I had been looking for. I was right, I was a sinner, but what I hadn’t realized is that Christ came to rescue me from my sin and shame through the cross and to reconcile me to God, when I got that, it changed everything for me.

Even as a child, I had a deep hunger and desire for Christ and God spoke into that desire through the community of my church, through men and women who showed me what it meant to walk with Jesus in a way that made me want to live like that. He spoke to me through worship, teaching me biblical truth, the scriptures we sing as praise to him and he guided me through pastor’s who opened up the Word of God and showed me things there that made me want to know more and more.

It was in my junior year of college though that an incredibly significant change took place in my relationship with God. I went off to Oregon State University and as I got to know young believers my age, and one in particular named Zach, that I began to sense a great gap between the kind of faith they lived and the kind of faith I lived. It was uncomfortable for me and a little frustrating, this Jesus zeal they had and expressed all the time to me and to others. The frustration wasn’t the zeal itself it was that in my soul I knew there was something missing from my life that I both envied and couldn’t stand in theirs. What I later realized, and where the Lord brought me to through Revelation 2 “I hold this against you, you have forsaken your first love,” was that though Jesus was the Savior of my life, I had never let him be Lord. I was still sitting on the throne of my life and what he was asking me to do was to surrender that to Him. One of my life verses that expresses the change in my heart, and the thing I saw in the life of my friend Zach and others like him, are the words of Galatians 2:2 “I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life I live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Nicole, I remember those days and praying for you. I knew God was working in your life, but wow—amazing!


2. You work and live in Italy. How did a country gal from Oregon end up living in such a distant part of the world?

My journey to living in Italy began with the cultural diversity I grew up with in my home but also an influential trip I took to Europe when I was 15 with my High School Basketball coach. In Junior High my best friend and I decided that for our high school graduation we wanted to go to Paris. I am not even sure how we chose Paris, but we bought posters of the Eifel Tower and were determined to go. But when we were 15 our High School Basketball coach offered us the opportunity to travel with him and his wife for the summer in Europe. Seven of us went on the trip together, including my best friend and I. For two months, we traveled all over Europe, experiencing life overseas, getting to play and coach basketball and to see our beloved Paris. When I came back from that trip I was convinced that one day I needed to live overseas.

The other piece of the answer is part of my journey of growing as a follower of Jesus. My junior year in college, when the Lord radically changed my heart and I made Him the first love of my life, I think my decision to move to Italy was in a sense already made. When you lose your life for Christ’s sake and realize that it now belongs to Him, these life choices become part of our journey of faith. When I joined staff with Campus Crusade for Christ, the organization that I work for, I knew that I could have the possibility to live and work overseas doing student ministry, so I took every opportunity to see what life and mission overseas in the student world was like. When presented with the opportunity to move to Italy to help re-launch the student work there I said yes.

3. Many of us are insulated from the great big world that we live in. I’ve never been to Italy and would love to know more about the country and its people. Can you share some of its unique qualities?

Italy is an incredibly charming and beautiful country. I am sitting on a train right now traveling from Florence (Firenze) where I live, to Rome (Roma) and as I look out the windows I am reminded that I live in a beautiful country. There are parts of the Umpqua Valley where I grew up that look similar to Tuscany, the region that Florence is in, so in some ways it is foreign and yet also a familiar beauty. In some ways it is hard to explain Italy, because Italy is old. In America something that is aged is 200 or 300 years old. In Italy you could live in a building that was built in 1700 or you might live next door to a church that was constructed in 1200 or in Rome by the Coliseum that was built before the time of Christ. For American eyes it is a wonder, but for Italian eyes this is normal. I love that about Italy. In Italy there are many simple things that people enjoy—taking the whole month of August off for vacation to go to the sea or the mountains, new olive oil and wine in November that have just been harvested in September and October, meeting friends after work for appetizers and meals that last 3 hours because nobody is in a hurry to end their time of just being together as friends and family.

One thing that has surprised me about Italy that took me a long time to understand is that the concept of Italy and Italians is not something easily defined. Italy has 21 regions and each one is unique from the other. If you were to meet an Italian and say where are you from, they would not first say “I am Italian” they would say either the region or specific city they come from and then the country. It might sound insignificant but there is a great difference between a Florentine and a Milanese. Each city has its own dialect, different accent, regional and city pasta’s and desserts, different ways of seeing the world. It makes life fun, because you are constantly challenging yourself to understand what people are like and it also means that you get to sample a wide variety of very good food every time you travel. The pasta’s you eat in Florence are not the same pasta’s you will find in Naples. I like that a lot, because food is part of my enjoyment of the culture.

Italy sounds like a place I'd love to visit one day.

4. What does a typical day look like for you?

Oh wow, I wish I had a typical day. I work basically from 9-5 each day. But like today, I am traveling to Rome to be part of a conference of youth workers from all over Europe who are coming together to share best missional practices to reach teenagers. Last Thursday, I was working in my office on a project for our Italian Staff Training and then met with a student for coffee, who’s still processing the gospel. Then I went to our student Bible Study Thursday night, which usually lasts about 4 hours, but includes, of course, dinner. In Italy, ministry and food are inextricably bound. So when I’m in Florence my days are usually spent in combination working at my office and meeting with students. I also travel because of my role in the cities where we have student ministries where I meet with the staff, see how they are doing and help them move toward building movements among students in the University campuses.

Clearly typical does not describe your life--surprising and diverse seem more appropriate.

5. What do you love most about what you do? And what is your least favorite part of your ministry?

I love influencing the lives of others, and I love pointing people to Christ. The thing I have always loved is sharing what Jesus has done for us, with someone for the first time or watching a young believer grow in their faith. One of the most satisfying moments for me is when I watch that young woman or student I have been investing my life in begin to invest their lives in others. It is the sweetest joy.

Some years ago I met a woman at a student conference who I realized had discipled the woman who discipled the woman who discipled me. My great grandmother, if you will, in the faith. I had fun sharing with her about the women I was investing my life in and thanked her for the influence she’d had in the lives of those who were helping me grow. I shared that with the girls I was discipling at the time and I remember when one of them proudly introduced me to my own spiritual grandchildren. Oh Bonnie, it was such a thrill! I don’t even know how to express in words my thanks to the Lord for allowing me the privilege of investing my life in women and being part of the process of how God is changing them to be more like Jesus.

My least favorite part? For me the two hardest things are, first the bittersweet reality of meeting amazing people who change your life and then having to say goodbye to them when the Lord leads them out of the story of your life and into another chapter of their own story. You thank the Lord for the time you had to be woven into the story of each other’s lives, but there is grief at saying goodbye. It is a moment when I am most aware that what I am longing for is eternity where there will be no more goodbyes. I am anxious for it. The other hard thing is to see those you love walk away from the lovely One. I imagine it must be similar to what a parent feels, though I am not a parent so I can only guess and I would assume it is much deeper, when they see their own children making decisions they know are not the best, but you have to let them make their own choices, Experience brings growth. But there is deep pain in watching that happen, deep pain and prayer.

I love your image of spiritual grandchildren. There is nothing more thrilling than watching Christ come alive in the lives of others and to know God included you in the process.

6. Do you have a favorite song, book, scripture. . . why is it a favorite?

Oh man favorite song…there are too too many. I would argue that song is the language of my heart and so there are so many songs that have touched me deeply. I will give you two that are in my mental favorites “playlist”. The old hymn Be thou my Vision and one that the group Selah sings that might be called Before the throne of God Above. Oooooh Books, I love books! My most recent favorite is The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer. Since I live in Italy, I’ve read two books whose theme is the persecution of the Christians under Nero, The Martyr of the Catacombs and Quo Vadis, which have totally come alive to me here, along with Ben Hur. When I am in a light mood, I love reading the classics, Jane Austen, Wilkie Collins or Nick Hornby and Alexander McCall Smith.

Favorite Scripture--OK, this is one I can answer fairly easily. Though there are several verses that capture different seasons of my life and how the Lord is transforming me, but my all time favorite scripture is actually the 21st chapter of the gospel of John. I love this sweet story of Jesus and Peter meeting once again at the sea of Galilee. I love it because of the question Jesus asks Peter “Simon son of John do you love me?” Three times, the same question and it cuts me to the heart “Nicole, do you love me?” I think that is one of the most significant questions God has ever asked any man, and Jesus and I meet here often. John 21 is our early morning garden walk, it is our coffee bar, it is our sunset stroll and I have come back here with Him time and time again to talk about that question.

A powerful verse. I will meet more often with my Lord over this one as well. Thank you for the reminder.

7. What is your greatest need? And how can we pray for you?

I would say first, please pray that I would not forsake my first love. In Italy, Jesus is everywhere and nowhere. He is painted on walls of buildings and cathedrals but He is like white noise, and people don’t even notice him anymore. The greatest risk for me could be that Jesus becomes the white noise of my own life and heart and at that point I have nothing left to offer. I want and need to love Jesus more passionately and deeply each day. So that would be my first prayer request.
The second is for patience in the process of transition in Italy. We are becoming more and more an Italian led movement. But cross cultural transitions are not easy. We share a common Christian vocabulary, but that does not mean we always attach to those things the same meaning. So pray for me and for my team and our movement as we form a cross cultural identity that in a country that has a long history of division, that we would not let the enemy divide us.

I will add this little vulnerable prayer request, but If it is God’s will, would you pray for a Godly Man, who is Crazy about Jesus to fall deeply in love with me.

Kisses, Nicole


Thank you, Nicole, for giving us a glimpse of your place in the world. And thank you for all that you do for the glory of God. I am and will continue to pray for you, dear one.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- It Takes Spirit

My granddaughter Olivia and grandson Ezra both had surgery three days prior to Halloween. Ezra had repair work done on both of his ear drums and Olivia had her tonsils removed. Halloween arrived and both of them were feeling miserable. Ezra had started to rally a bit and was excited about the evening's fun. Olivia had been running a fever for two days and that afternoon it was steadily holding at 101. She couldn't eat or drink and was clearly dehydrated and suffering.

Olivia was so sick she had to return to the hospital where she was put on IV fluids and an IV antibiotic. When she was released she should have gone home to bed but . . . it was Halloween. She'd brought her costume with her to the hospital and after being rehydrated she was determined to go trick-or-treating. Managing to find her smile she joined in the fun, at least for a little while, before having to retreat to the comfort and warmth of the car.

It was "only" Halloween, but for my grandchildren it was an important day. Under awful circumstances, they both dug down inside and found the strength to do something that mattered to them. Even though it was "only" trick-or-treating they grabbed hold of their desire, spirit, perseverance and courage and went out and had a good time. The smiles on their faces inspired me.

My grandchildren are always teaching me lessons. They live full out, refusing to allow adversity to stop them . . . and they've had more than their share of troubles I can assure you.

Maybe we can do more than we think is possible. I don't know about you, but the next time I'm thinking about giving up I'm going to remember Olivia and Ezra and the lively spirits that carried them through their pain and exhaustion on their special night.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie