Tips For Triumphant Living -- Invest in Others

I spoke at a women’s retreat a while back and during the weekend I was showered with gifts and notes from the ladies. After I returned home, I sat down and read through all the notes. One statement especially touched me. “Thank you for investing yourself in us.”

This went straight to my heart. Sometimes as I plow through hours of preparation to speak or teach I feel guilty about the time taken from my family, my friends, my church and my personal time. I grouse about it. Even while reading scripture and working through insights and gaining knowledge so I can share with others, I sometimes complain. Why would I do that? It can be boiled down to one word—selfishness.

This woman’s note makes me cry. I’m grateful for the privilege of sharing Christ and His truths, and I’m ashamed of my own selfish heart.

God offered His son. Christ gave everything for me and for you. Sharing our gifts with others is not asking too much. In fact, when we give we receive. Spending time with other Christians, learning God’s Word, leaning on Him, being a voice for Him—all of these are gifts. All he wants us to do is to pass them on.

I pray that as I learn to listen to God's voice my selfish voice will be quiet. May I hear Him above all else, above every selfish need. May we all hear. Only then shall we know the privilege of investing in others.

Grace and peace to you in Christ.

Bonnie

Interview with Karen Whiting

I'm privileged to be a member of CAN (Christian Authors Network). Karen Whiting is one of the gals who works hard to keep the site running smoothly and providing information to its readers.

She chatted with me today and managed to get her interview with me up on the site already. It was great fun talking to her. Stop by and say hello. You can find the interview at www.canblog.typepad.com/canbookmarketing/

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quite Moments With God -- Love Your Enemy

When we're treated unjustly or betrayed it hurts. It’s especially painful when the treachery comes from family or a close friend or a fellow Christian. I’ve been there. I’m there now. And I'm certain these feelings of betrayal will be part of my future. I know because even the best people can be thoughtless and unkind sometimes.

When we’re wounded by someone who ought to love us, what should we do? Strike back? Withdraw? Get angry or bitter? Never trust again?

The response God asks of us is to love . . . even our enemies. Not easy to do, but He’s clear about this. In Luke 6:32-36 we're told, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

Convicting words. When I consider Christ on the cross, praying for mercy for those who cursed him—loving them and dying for them, I know what I must do. I must love. Is it easy? No. Is it spontaneous? Sometimes. Is it possible? Yes. God makes all things possible.

Allow the Lord to open your hearts. Love one another, forgive one another, be merciful to each other. Christ is our example. May His way be our way.

Trust in Him and He will create a new heart in you.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- As Little Children

I often stand on my deck and look toward the back of our property where my mother-in-law used to live. I miss her. Verna shared our lives for many years and went to live in heaven five years ago. She was a special woman.

One of the things I loved most about her was her childlike heart. Matthew 18:2 – 3 says, He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Verna was no Bible Scholar, but she loved and trusted her Lord. She knew hardship and sorrow, yet never lost her love and trust of others. Although she sometimes displayed a crusty exterior her heart remained tender.

The day she died, she’d been gardening and was found lying among her flowers, looking as if she’d lain down to take a nap. In the end there’d been no struggle, only childlike faith.

All these years later, I catch glimpses of the kind and loving woman who simply believed and trusted. I can see her being caught into our Lord’s arms where He held her close. Verna's uncomplicated faith reminds me of what Jesus asked of all of us. We don’t need to be theologians, we simply need to believe.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Sisters

I just received this photo and memories flooded me. These are fabulous women! I can't wait for heaven when we'll have eternity to chat together, pray together, and praise the Lord together.

Many months ago I was asked to speak for the Wapato Valley Baptist Church. As I drove to the coast last weekend I listened to worship music and prayed. I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me, telling me that I'd been chosen for this time, this place and this topic. I felt humbled and honored. I had little idea, however, that although I was the "teacher" God had a lot for ME to learn.

When I arrived at the beach house in Lincoln City I was thrilled. It was absolutely beautiful! And the team of ladies who met me there immediately felt like family. I knew it was going to be a great weekend.

By the time the rest of the women from Wapato Valley Baptist began arriving my back was having a hayday. I have a bad back, and it flairs up from time-to-time. Interestingly it chose this weekend to get cranky. In spite of it, God saw me through and I was able to fulfill my "obligation".

I watched the ladies love and care for each other, and they didn't forget to have a lot of fun as well. And through my pain I was introduced to the beauty of the women of this church. These lovely ladies prayed for me, cared for me and spent time with me. Although my body was hurting my spirit was being nourished.

In the months prior to the retreat, as I prepared to teach about Living Without Masks, I was challenged. As I studied and worked through scriptures I learned so much, and then when I shared with the women during the retreat God spoke to me. By the end of the weekend, He'd given me a glimpse of His plans for me and revealed a mask I had no idea I'd been wearing. I must say, I was stunned at the revelation. I'm in process on this one, but I'm excited to discover what God has in store for me.

We serve a great God. He doesn't miss anything and He knows what each of us needs in order to grow and mature so we can better serve one another. I thank Him for his love and grace, especially that which was so beautifully demonstrated through His servants.

I'm always amazed at how God can take a group of His children, throw them together and make a family. The ladies of the Wapato Valley Church are my forever family.

God uses people and circumstances to cause change in us. May we all open our eyes and our hearts to Him and discover a deeper, richer relationship with our Lord and with others.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Rest in Him

These are difficult days. The news is filled with stories of hardship and predictions of worse to come. In my own community many struggle just to put food on the table. This week, there were only a handful of job openings listed in our local newspaper. Many who are nearing retirement have seen their investments dwindle and now wonder what will become of them in their retiring years. Those who are still working question if they will have a job tomorrow.

As believers in Christ what should we do? Wring our hands and pace the floor, fearing what will become of us? I must admit that I’ve had some sleepless nights. But in truth these circumstances we find ourselves in are an opportunity to demonstrate our faith, to experience God’s goodness and mercy. He promises to care for his children. Do we trust him? Do we walk timidly or with courage?

Dear ones, He has not forgotten us. His eyes have not lost sight of us. Psalm 139:1 – 4 says, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.”

Clearly God is with us. There is no reason to fear. Even when He sets us down in the middle of a tempest we’re not alone. He will provide peace in the midst of the storms of life.

God will do as He wills. Our task is to hang on to the one who knows all things and trust in His perfect will.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- The World is Watching

This morning while reading from Ephesians 4:22-32 I was struck by a pattern. There are several commands (not suggestions).

Put off
Put on
Do not let
Do not give
Steal no longer
Do not grieve
Get rid of
Be Kind & Compassionate
Forgive Each Other

These passages shout, “Choose!” God stands by, he instructs, he encourages, he empowers, but he does not pull strings as if we are puppets. We decide what we’ll do. We choose who we will be, how we will treat others, whether we’ll allow bitterness or forgiveness to reside in our hearts, whether we’ll give in to slander or be kind. And we choose to obey or not.

We can blame others for our misbehavior. But when we do, we’ll be lying to ourselves. We decide who the Lord of our life is—God or someone else.

May we seek God’s strength and do the right thing. The world is watching.


Grace and Peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Worship Him

On dark days, worshipping God may seem like an impossible task. However, it is those times that most require our worship. Hebrews 13:15 says, Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. It would seem praise is something we should do continually and whether all is well or it is not.

There are many times that praise and worship are just not in us, but this scripture says we are to worship through Jesus. And we know that all things are possible with Him.

So we might ask, what does worship look like. What is it that God is asking us to do? Is worship when we corporately sing praise songs in church? That certainly is one way to show reverence and to draw close to God, but we can’t do that continuously.

Worship is His name upon our lips and in our hearts. When we remember Him and who He is and all He’s done, we will worship. When our hearts are filled with gratitude and our minds are filled with awe and our perception is His rather than ours, we shall worship. When we have single-minded thoughts inspired by our Lord we are embraced by worship.

His love surrounds us, and His wonders astound our limited minds. Can we gaze upon a glimmering mountain range and not see Him? Is it possible to fix our eyes upon a windswept beach or something as magnificent as the Grand Canyon and not feel His presence? His handprint is on creation.

That handprint is a gift offered to us by our Lord. It is everywhere and in everything if we will only see. It's amazing that although we cannot fully comprehend his grandeur and His love that He still remembers us always and calls us His own. His love is deeper than any valley, taller than any mountain, and wider than any sea. How can we not worship Him?

May we look to Him with awe and with thankful hearts knowing that He is God, even on our darkest day.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Like a Tree Along a Riverbank

How good it is to belong to the Lord! I can't fathom living without Him. Because of His love I'm never alone.

When we face adversity or sorrow God may not lift us out of our trouble, but He will see us through it. He is our constant and faithful source of sustenance and strength.

Jeremish 17:7 – 8 says, “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.”

What a beautiful picture and what a magnificent promise. Those of us who belong to the Lord need never worry that He’ll remove Himself from us. He’ll be there through the storms of life as well as times of drought. And when we feel dry and thirsty, our roots reach into waters that never run dry.

He is my strength, my comfort, my Lord. He supplies my every need. I will praise Him all the day long.

Praise Him! Praise Him!

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Look Up Not In

When we’re staggered by something in our world our natural inclination is to look inside for strength. We rely on our intelligence, our history, or our feelings. They will lie to us.

Being knowledgeable is good. History matters. And feelings are real. But we can’t always trust them. When the storms of life hammer at us it is God who has the answers. His Word offers solutions and He is our comfort.

I have neuropathy in my feet and legs. The pain and numbness never leave me. It’s the last thing I’m aware of at night and the first thing to greet me in the morning. It nags at me, never leaving me alone. Sometimes it’s all I can think about. But it’s the last thing I should pay attention to when gauging my quality of life. It’s not my circumstances that define me, but rather who I am in Christ. And the question I need to ask is, “Am I His, all His? Am I living within His will for me?”

God knows my condition and yet I still suffer. I’m doing all I can to improve my circumstances, but beyond that I must rest in the path chosen for me. It is the Lord who gives me strength. Pain and anxiety have the power to rule my life. Each day I must make a choice—choose to direct my mind on Him or not. Every day belongs to Him, but those days that I choose to relinquish my will for His are the best.

Second Corinthians 12:9 says, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It is our weaknesses that provide opportunity for God’s divine power to be displayed.

Therefore, let us look to God and not ourselves. Let us trust in Him for our daily needs, knowing that He is strong when we are weak. And may we never forget that with God, all things are possible.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- New Beginnings

Sometimes we feel as if we're at the end. Our mind tells us that it’s over, the fun, the excitement, maybe even our life. But, there is always tomorrow.

Today while reading my Utmost For His Highest I was struck by something Oswald Chambers said. “Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ. Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with him.”

Beautiful, encouraging, exciting words! There is always tomorrow. Let’s not languish in past failures or misfortunes. Do not let the quagmire of today, hold you down. Instead, step out with hope and expectation anticipating whatever God has in store. Our circumstances may shout at us, saying we have no hope and no future, but circumstances lie. With God there is always hope. There is always another day. Even when we face our last day on earth eternity waits. There is no end, only new beginnings.

And so as the New Year fades, I embrace today and tomorrow. I look forward to what God has in store for me, His child. He promises to walk every step with me and with you. Look to your left, look to your right, look behind you—He is there. We are never alone.

God directs our paths. Listen to Him and believe. Step out with shouting and with joy. There is so much still ahead. It's a new day.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Forgive Others

There’s a lot we can learn from children. We just have to pay attention.

A few weeks ago, two of my grandsons provided me with a delightful picture of forgiveness. The two cousins, both six years old, are buddies. They don’t live in the same state, but when they get together it’s like they’ve never been apart. It’s always instant bonding. For as long as they have, they play at full tilt.

Over the holidays they were blessed with almost two weeks of fun. It was inevitable that their joy would be interrupted by some sort of conflict. I don’t know what happened, exactly, but one of them did or said something that hurt the other and soon they were at war, both angry and hurt.

Eventually they each sought out a sounding board. Ezra went to his mother, and Gabe came to me. Interestingly my daughter and I gave basically the same advice, that they should work it out between themselves. Not long afterward I saw the two together. They were smiling and shaking hands, their eyes full of laughter, love and forgiveness. After the handshake they walked off together, side-by-side, arms draped around each other’s shoulders. All was forgiven and forgotten. They had more important things to do than fight.

If only us adults could move on so easily. Instead, we tend to hang onto our hurts, nurturing them and wondering if it’s possible to forgive an offense. The world would be a better place if we were more like children. Doesn’t God say we ought have childlike faith? Why not childlike forgiveness as well?

Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

To love and to forgive, that’s the better way. Instead of allowing our wounds to fester and corrupt our spirits lets shake hands, throw our arms around each other and get on with things.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

The Edge of Light

Ann Shorey is a critique partner and my friend. I'm proud to write a review of her first novel! She's a fabulous writer, and my new favorite author in Christian fiction.


The Edge of Light is a seamlessly written story of faith, courage and survival. The story begins in 1838 with Molly McGarvie, who lives in St. Lawrenceville, Missouri. When her husband Samuel dies she must find a way to provide for herself and her family. A woman of spirit and strength, Molly believes for the impossible and sets out on a journey that takes her and readers on a quest for a new life and a miracle.

Ann’s captivating writing style draws readers into the lives of Molly McGarvie, her companion Betsy who is more a friend than a slave, and Doctor Spangler who carries a burden only God can lift. Plus there is an interesting cast of characters you’ll pray for and cheer with, some you may even want to strangle. Ann’s attention to detail and her elegant writing style will draw you into every scene. You’ll experience emotions and encounters right along with her characters.

The Edge of Light is a fabulous first book! Once you read it, you’ll forever be an Ann Shorey fan. I am.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- He Speaks To Us

Sometimes this writing life keeps me isolated from the world. I spend hours (days--weeks--months) in front of my computer, writing, researching, and marketing. There are weeks that the only days I get out are Sunday for church and Thursday to meet with my critique group. It's easy to lose heart and wonder if I'm truly doing what God intended me, a people person, to do.

And then, I receive a letter like the one posted below. And my heart is encouraged and I know God has used one of his children to remind me why I write. I love creating stories and characters, but foremost I want to say something that will make a difference in someone else's life.

So, thank you Lynn for your letter. It has uplifted me.


I just needed to tell you that you have a new fan. I bought your book "The Heart of Thornton Creek" at our Christian Book store's Anniversary sale.Then I had to hunt for book Two (I like to get all books in a series)as ChristianBook.com did not have it but they did have the 3rd one.The bookstore here in town did have the second one so I have the series.I started the first book Last Monday and it was a powerful book. I could not help but cry at the end of the story.When I can picture the story in my mind as I am reading and it speaks to me between the lines,then it is a powerful book to me.Usually I read one in a couple of days but this week has been busy with the Christmas Holiday approaching so since I had to be at Church very early yesterday morning,as my husband had to be there early, I took it along to finish before church started since I had 2 hours. I am stting out in the reception room crying as I was reading.
Keep up the great work.
I will be getting more of your books now.
May God continue to bless you in your writing Lynn from Springville Tennessee

And to Lynn and all you who stop by my blog, I pray God will bless you with a spectacular Christmas. May it be filled with love, joy and most of all Christ

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips for Triumphant Living -- Rest

My blog’s been kind of quiet lately. I’ve been trying to rest. Recently, life has felt like a blast from a summer storm, and I've been knocked off feet, so to speak. And so, I’ve been doing my best to not push too hard.

Our society seems to have an epidemic of “burn out”. Too many of us are working too many hours, and when life throws hard balls at us we lack the energy to make the catch. That’s where I’ve been. So, I’m trying to listen to my spiritual and physical needs and give myself permission to rest. After all even God rested. I think His resting on the seventh day was a way of making a point. We need to stop and take time to refresh, and enjoy the moments of splendor God offers. We miss so many of His gifts because we’re in too big a hurry to see them.

It’s not easy to put on the brakes and slow down, especially when we're used to flying through life at full tilt. So, the question for many of us may be, “How do I rest? What does that look like for me?”

Think about what makes you feel calm. What do you do that quiets the uproar of the world? Some of us enjoy gardening. Others thrive when hiking forest trails or strolling along an ocean beach. My husband enjoys woodworking. I love to fish a mountain lake, read or watch an old movie or just sit on my deck and enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest. Whatever it is that soothes you, make time to do it. It’s important.

Don’t forget your family, your spouse and your Lord. Listen to the words of wisdom and love they offer. You may be reminded of how blessed you are.

My mother came to visit at Thanksgiving, and she is the most grateful person I know. She’s eighty-four and dealing with pain and declining health, but she remains constantly aware of her blessings and often vocalizes her gratitude. Her thankful heart is a good reminder for me.

As we move through this busy time, remember Matthew 11:28, which says, Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Make Time For Fun

Having fun with family and friends is vital to good emotional and spiritual health. I love to play games, tell stories, share memories and watch an old favorite movie with someone I love. With our economy in the tank and all the other stresses of life, especially at this time of year, it’s easy to get down in the doldrums. So I’m prescribing one fun remedy.

Yesterday I received the following over the internet. I participated and have received lots of replies. I’ve loved hearing from my friends and family and so I’ve decided to share this with you. Maybe you'd like to include it as one of your Christmas entertainments this year. Hope you’ll find someone to send it to. The answers for these questions are mine.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!!

Just copy this entire message and paste into a new e-mail. Change all the answers so that they apply to you. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know, INCLUDING the person that sent it to you......Tis the Season to have fun!


1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? . . . Both

2. Real tree or Artificial? . . . Real

3. When do you put up the tree? . . . Usually mid-December.

4. When do you take it down? . . . On New Year’s day.

5. Do you like eggnog? . . . No way!

6. Your 2 Favorite gifts received as a child for Christmas? . . . A stick horse that I rode all over our neighborhood. (man how times have changed). And a beautiful Barbie in a brand new case with gorgeous dresses my mother had made.

7. Hardest person to buy for? . . . My stepfather. (What do you get the man who has everything?)

8. Easiest person to buy for? . . . Olivia, my granddaughter. She loves anything girly.

9. Do you have a nativity scene? . . . Yes.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? . . . Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift. . . . One year my husband and I didn’t have money for gifts, but I badly needed a new broom. And so when I got up on Christmas morning what did I find under the tree? A beautiful new broom with a red ribbon tied around it.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? . . . “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a must on Christmas Eve and I always watch “Little Women”.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? . . . Usually the first week in December.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? . . . No way!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? . . . Fudge. I start getting the craving sometime late in November. And 2nd favorite is date cookies.

16. Top 2 Favorite Christmas songs? . . . O Holy Night and The Little Drummer Boy.

17. Travel at Christmas or stay home? . . . Prefer staying home.

18. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? . . . Of course.

19. Angel on the tree top or a star? . . . We’ve had lots of tree-toppers. For years it was a cute white bear hugging a package, but now days its an angel.

20. Open the presents Christmas Eve or Christmas? . . . Christmas morning.

21. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? . . . Bah humbug people.

22. Favorite ornament theme or color? . . . I love all the colors of Christmas, but my favorite theme is home spun.

23. Favorite for Christmas dinner? . . . I never get tired of turkey, but often we have ham.

24. What do you want for Christmas this year? . . . I’m craving more time with God. I long to experience Him in new and fresh ways and to better comprehend His great love.

25. Who is most likely to respond to this? I picked my sister, Myrn, and she did respond.


Grace and peace to you from God.


Bonnie


I'd love to hear from you. Leave a comment and share your Christmas traditions and memories.

Australia Outback Contest Winners!

We have two winners!

The first place winner in the Australian Outback Contest is Judi Brinegar, who will receive an aboriginal didgeridoo! Congratulations Judi.

And the second place winner is Bettyann Herron-Jones. Bettyann you've won a set of aboriginal clapping sticks. Congratulations!

Thanks so much to all of you who entered. I'll be running a new contest in the spring so be watching for it.

Blessings to you,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Grace vs Work?

Ephesians 2:8 -10 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from ourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

On occasion Christians take sides -- either grace or works. The verses in Ephesians clearly state that our “goose would be cooked” without God’s grace. It is only because of His gift of grace that we can be assured heaven will be our eternal home. And so we need to begin there, with the acceptance of His undeserved gift.

After we believe does that mean there’s nothing more to do? Nope. That’s not what The Word says. Although I believe heaven is available even if we never do a thing for God (remember the prisoner crucified alongside Christ), I’m convinced God doesn’t intend for us to believe and then go on our merry way unconcerned with Him or His plan for our lives.

Verse ten of Ephesians Two says we are created to do good works, which were prepared for us to do. It seems to me that if we refuse to do good works we’re walking in disobedience.

God gives each of us gifts and abilities to be used for His service. So I say, let’s use them.

One of the statements I often hear is, “I don’t know how to do anything.” Or, “I’m nothing special. What can I do?” If you look at God’s Word you see that He used plain, ordinary people to spread the good news of Christ and to reach the world with His message of hope.

There is so much joy and beauty to be discovered when we work together—reaching out to one another, to the people in our church and in our communities. Life is meant to be full—of love and grace and service and Christ.

If we’ll just receive the gift God offers, then share it with others we’ll be awash with delight and wonder as we see God's transforming power in action. Giving of ourselves doesn’t end, but is a lifetime of devotion.


Grace and peace to you from God.


Bonnie

Tips For Trimphant Living--Trust God

This comes late, but I’ve been sick and laid up for a few weeks. Still, I feel compelled to post this message.

Tonight is November 4th, election day. The news is in. We have a new president—Barack Obama.

I did not vote for Mr. Obama. However, he will soon be the president of the United States, my president. I will respect him and do my best to support him. Above that I will, as a citizen, assist my country. I will remain informed, and stand up and speak out when necessary and maybe even hold up a sign in a public protest. I pray we will all be diligent citizens. America is the greatest country on earth and each of us must serve as guardians for truth and freedom.

For those who are disappointed in the country’s decision, take heart, God knows all there is to know. He has not forgotten His children. His eyes are upon this country. I pray for mercy, but no matter what comes I trust our Heavenly Father.

During Barack Obama’s acceptance speech I was moved by the emotion in the crowd there in Chicago. Especially the tears I saw in the African Americans' eyes who have waited and dreamed for such a day. A hundred years ago, the election of an African American for president was an impossibility and something one dare not even hope for. It is a huge step in our history and for that I am proud of my country.

I will pray for our new president as I have for previous presidents. And I will pray for my country, that there will be an awakening, that eyes would be opened and that God’s righteousness and grace would sweep across our land. And I will go on, serving my Lord and doing my best to fulfill His purpose in my life.

As children of God, may we all seek truth, share the gospel and love one another.

Grace and peace to you from God.



Bonnie