Tips For Triumphant Living -- Don't Carry Tales

None of us wants to be seen as the type who ridicules others. And I doubt that many of us consider ourselves to be malicious. But let's get honest--we're humans and all humans do bad things some of the time, including being a tale bearer. Perhaps we fall into it unintentionally. Nevertheless if we've taken part we've sinned.

Proverbs 29:8 says, "Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger." Seems clear to me that we're called to bring calm to our world not anger. Mocking someone else or gossiping about others is always damaging and stirs up trouble.

I know a person who doesn't intentionally do this, but there is often a cloud of trouble swirling around him. He loves God and serves faithfully and yet he mocks others. He has a tendency to see the worst in people and is quick to share his views. Soon, the word is out about so-and-so and people are quick to judge and to jump on the gossip train.

If we listen to hateful words about someone else and accept them as truth we're part of the problem. It's easy to think we know the "facts" when we don't. Only God knows a man's heart. Only he can judge.

I've seen major storms break out in a church over one piece of misinformation passed along by someone who thinks they recognize a truth others ought to know. We hurt each other, sometimes with eternal consequences. Oh, how it must grieve our Lord.

I've been on both sides of this issue--a tale bearer and the victim of tales. Both hurt, but when I think back to my part in a flood of gossip or judgement I'm filled with shame and I vow--never again.

God says we're to love one another. How much better it is to pray for and to lift up others rather than to tear them down. Love brings blessings.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Remember Christ

Many people are struggling. Some fight to make it through one more day. We face financial hardships, illness, aging parents, betrayal and loss of hope and disappointments of all kinds. Our burdens are many and it's easy to get caught up in the uncertainty and anxiety of the world.

We've just been through Good Friday, a day to remember Christ's sacrifice, and then Easter, a day to rejoice.

Jesus walked the way of sorrows and allowed Himself to be nailed to a cross. Very near death he said, "It is finsihed." Our sin has been paid in full, covered by His blood. To receive, we only need to believe.

And on Easter, the day He rose, we rejoice. He covered our sin with His own blood and now waits for us in heaven. He has promised us a place at His table. His sacrifice destroyed the tactics of the enemy and we now have unending days waiting for us.

Our time on this earth is only a blip in eternity. Todays sorrows are less than that.

On Sunday, our pastor talked about many things, but something that stuck with me was his description of the disciples sacrifices and deaths. Some were crucified, even upside down, others beheaded, one stoned, another killed by spears, one exiled. But they would not renounce Christ, because they had seen all that had happened. They knew, they believed--not because of something they'd heard, but because of what they'd experienced--Christ.

In light of this my present sorrows seem small. I carry my hurts and fears to God and I know He cares, but I have not even begun to give what these men of God offered. I am the recipient of their sacrifices and of the greatest sacrifice of all.

Life is full of hope and joy because of Jesus. One day God will carry me home and then I will see clearly how man hours I've spent contemplating the wrong things. I will leave my possessions of this earth behind and will be caught up into heaven with my Lord pure and blameless because of Him.

There is nothing I can do to gain this gift, except to believe in Christ. It is He that should be foremost in my mind and heart, not my troubles.

All will be well. Never forget what has been given for us--remember Christ.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Listen to Others

After returning home from a five day research trip I expected to spend a day resting, then get back to work on my latest novel. I should have known better than to plan.

My husband and I picked up my mother on our last day of the trip so she could spend a few days with us. Mom's a sweet woman who appreciates life and having her with us is a gift.

Even with her here, I'd planned to spend some time working. After all, having one extra person in the house doesn't change things too awfully much. I figured there'd be plenty of time for work and pleasure. However, my household of three was about to change.

My youngest daughter had been sick for several weeks and was finally diagnosed with pneumonia. She was too sick to care for herself and her children so it was decided they ought to stay here where Sarah could rest and I could take care of the kids.

My son was also due to arrive for a visit with us and his grandmother. We love having him here. And we were scheduled to drive my mom to the train depot in Eugene (a couple hours north) on Sunday.

In true "Bonnie style" I tried to keep up with writing my book, socializing, caring for my daughter, baby-sitting, cooking . . . and everything else. I could feel my book deadline looming so I kept pushing to "do it all". My husband knows me well (after all we've been a couple for forty-one years). He knew I was about to miss out on the special opportunities of family time that I'd been given because I refused to let go of the work of writing.

Kindly but firmly he told me to put the writing aside. Perfectly sensible advice. I shouldn't have needed to be told. But until he spoke I couldn't give myself permission to do the best thing for me and everyone else. He helped me see my priorities--the people I love. The work would get done, but the days with my family would come and go and once gone I couldn't get them back.

I thank the Lord for giving me a wise husband. The moment I decided to listen to him and made the decision that work could wait I felt at peace. I had a couple more days with my mom, puzzle making and games with my grandchildren, a good visit with my son and, although I was concerned about my very ill daughter, it felt good to care for her. She's on the mend, the way.

Sometimes it takes the voice of someone else to help us make wise choices. Listen to others, they may be making sense.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Worry Less

I came across a couple of great quotes.

Mary Hemingway said, "Worry a little every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything."

And . . .

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its joy."
Author unknown.

Both of these quotes hit me right where I live. I'm a worrier, always have been. I'm one who imagines worse case scenarios. Maybe that's why I write books--my imagination works overtime. When I'm wearing my author's hat that's a great help, but in the day to day living it only causes anxiety and is not profitable.

Mary Hemingway said, train yourself. If we're worriers and want to live in a state of peacefulness we have some work to do. It will take effort and determination. Scripture tells us to take every thought captive. I'm learning. Some days I'm more successful than others, but I will not give up.

Worry is a normal human response to troubles, but it says a lot about how we see God. Do we trust Him . . . really? If we do, then why are we worrying? He sees it all. He hears our every prayer. Knows our every need. And He has everything in hand.

When we fully trust God it means we don't have to worry about what terrible thing may happen today or tomorrow. Rather, we can live like babes who have been gathered into their mother's arms--fully dependent and fully trusting.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Kick Up Your Heels

I live in a rural area in Southern Oregon. The landscape is a combination of forests and grazing lands. When I travel between home and town I always see horses, cattle and sheep on the rolling hillsides.

A few days ago while returning home from town I noticed a frolicking full grown black angus. She was running, leaping and jumping while kicking up her heels. This is unusual behavior for a cow. By the time they're grown up they spend their time grazing or standing looking stupified while they chew their cud. Calves run and leap, not cows.

Watching this bovine enjoy herself made me think about grown ups in general. Some of us adults have forgotten what it's like to kick up our heels and have full out fun. That's for the youngsters we say. We're missing out. Just think back to your youth for a moment and remember how much fun it can be.

I'm not able to kick up my heels any more, but that doesn't mean my heart can't do some leaping and jumping for joy. Evidently God thinks joyful living matters because there are lots of scriptures that talk about it.

Philippians 4:4 says, Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! And Psalm 4:7 says, You have put gladness in my heart. And there's Psalm 16:9. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. And John 15:11, These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you and that your joy may be full. And lets not forget Psalm 149:3 Let them praise His name with the dance; Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.

These are just a few. Remember the joy of the Lord. Share some of that joy with people in your life. Lift others up--laugh, sing, and yes even dance.

Sharing joy makes it grow. And then it comes back to you.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- We May Have Only Today

Have you considered how you want to live out your life? Have you thought about how important each day is and that we don't know if there will be a tomorrow? Only the Lord knows the number of days we have on this earth.

While we're here we may be the only image of Christ someone else will see. Most of the time we don't know that people are watching, observing what makes us different from someone who doesn't profess Christ as Lord. More times than I'd like to count I've not been a good example. In my younger years I could quickly become a "mother bear" in defense of my children, a not so attractive example of Christ. And I could and can still get my dander up over an irritation or difference of opinion.

I've made numerous apologies over the years because of a quick temper. It's humiliating to go back to a store clerk and apologize for my short fuse. But it's equally rewarding to see that clerk brighten and graciously accept my apology.

As I've aged, many of the lessons learned have stuck and I'm calmer these days and less likely to loose my cool. However, I haven't arrived.

Being a living example of Christ isn't just about maintaining emotions. It includes being gracious, generous, kind, and helpful. Well, actually all you need to do is look at the fruit of the spirit, which is listed in Galatians 5:22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

We shall be known by our fruit. Scripture tells us to live out our faith. If we do our days will be filled with blessings, we will likely do something worthwhile and possibly something spectacular such as introducing Christ to a new believer.

What would I do if I knew I had only one day left on this earth? I'd give out lots of hugs, I'd make sure to tell those I love that I love them, I might even bake my "famous" chocolate chip cookies for the last time and share them with my friends. And I'd definitely sit down with people who don't know Christ and tell them all about Him.

It's time for us to live like today is our last. We will be blessed. Today will be richer and more joyous, not just for us but for those around us.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Remember Him

It's nearly one o'clock in the morning and I can't sleep--nothing new for me. But while I was lying in bed I could hear the hooting of an owl so I got up and stepped onto my back patio.

The night is clear and cold. Stars shimmer in a black sky. And as I stand wrapped in my not so sexy bathrobe the hoot of the owl echoes from nearby. Another one answers from a distance. In the quiet chilled evening, they continue to speak to one another. As I share the solitude with my wild friends, I feel as if I'm being included in one of God's special moments. He feels so near.

There are many wonders in our world. I live in the country and each day I'm privileged to see an assortment of wild creatures, hear the wind blow through tree boughs and gaze at rolling hillsides festooned with groves of oak and evergreens. And I am reminded of The One who created the beauty. When the forest floor is littered with wild flowers of every hue and shape I am reminded of Him. And when I'm included in a midnight serenade between two owls I am reminded of Him.

These may seem like small things, but God wants us to remember Him. To remember that He created earth, our temporary home, just for us. He wants us to know that He longs to spend time with us.

You don't have to live in the country to see His creation. It's everywhere--in the trees along city streets, the birds flitting among the bushes in your yard, flowers grown on a city rooftop or even in misty clouds that look like filigree against a pale blue sky.

He's here, all around us, remindng us of His presence. We simply need to look. And when we remember, let's not forget to thank Him for His wondrous gift of earth. There is no other place like it in all the universe.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Listen to the Wise

I often read the book of Proverbs. If it's the fourth day of the month I read chapter four, the seventh day, chapter seven and so on. It is a wisdom feast.

Today is the fifth so I read Proverb's five. There is always more to learn and today God continued to teach. He has a way of zinging me right where I need it.

Chapter five speaks about temptation. We are bombarded by temptations of every description. Many seem innocuous (are they really?) but there are those that scripture says are as "bitter as poison, as dangerous as a double-edged sword, and that lead straight to the grave".

As I read scripture shouted, "LISTEN TO ME!" If I refuse the day will come when I will groan in anguish for I will receive the fruit of my disobedience. His Word goes on to say, "How I hate discipline, if ony I had not ignored all the warnings!

That's me. There is so much I could have done better, done right. But I haven't lost hope. I can turn to God and obey Him. He is merciful. Though I may pay consequences for my disobedience, He will not leave me nor will He forsake me. Not ever.

I must climb out of a pit I've dug for myself. I'm thankful for the powerful hand of God who will help lift me. Still, how much better it would have been to have listened to His wise counsel from the very beginning.

Although I can begin anew, perfection remains out of my grasp, but God sustains and comforts me. He holds me so close that I hear the beating of His heart.

Today is a new day, a new beginning. A day to rejoice and to praise the King. He has not forsaken me. He is forever and always shall be my Father who loves without restriction.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- The Battle

Have you read Shannon Van Roekel's book, Desert Fire? If not, you should. From time to time, I come across a book that transforms my thinking and sets my heart aflame with conviction. Shannon, thank you for writing this story. I'm certain the enemy didn't want it written and very likely made your journey to publication a difficult one.

Desert Fire takes us to one of the darkest places on our planet--Darfur. It is there that we are introduced to injustice and brutality unimaginable. We are challenged to look at the truth that we can do more. Not just in Darfur but in all the dark places of our world. To do so, means fixing our eyes on God and listening to His voice. What is it He is asking of us? First we must believe in the one who is above all others, then stand before the enemy prepared to fight.

For each of us, the battle is unique, but the battle plan is the same. God tells us who the enemy is and how to fight him in Ephesians 6:10-18. It is a long stretch of scriptue, but I feel compelled to include it all.

It says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not agaainst flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints."

We need to fight. We can win. Look to the heavens, stand firm and brandish the sword of truth. Don't turn away from evil, don't flinch. Pray for one another, pray for those who live in terror, pray for those who go out into the darkness carrying the torch of light.

Read Shannon's book. I pray it will awaken lukewarm hearts who have forgotten there is a war to be won and an enemy to defeat.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Run to Win

For the past two weeks I've been sleep deprived. I'm an Olympics addict--winter and summer. I love the competition and the athletes are an inspiration. Since I grew up in a family of Olympic fans, I've been this way most of my life.

I'm impressed by the talent, dedication and courage of the athletes. It takes a rare person to stick to a lifetime commitment that may or may not pay off in the end. The athletes have my absolute respect.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 speaks to this. It says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlesslly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No. I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

I can never be an Olympic athlete, but I can be a dedicated servant of God. To do that I must train hard. Unlike the medals awarded at the Olympics, which do not last, the crown I fight for will last forever.

Paul makes it clear that this is no small task. We are to run in such a way as to win. Just like an Olympic athlete it requires discipline and training. Sacrifice is required. God has laid out a plan for us--Prayer, Bible study and worship are our tools. Too many hours in front of the televicion, computer or even in a book (which I love) can rob us of priceless time with our Lord.

God has given us so much for our enjoyment and it is his desire that we take part in this wonderful world he's created. It is a gift. Spend time loving others, enjoy a good book or a movie, or a morning sunrise. But don't neglect time to train for the eternal race where glory waits for us. Go for the gold.


Grace and peacet to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Hidden in the Crevice of a Rock

Recently during a Bible study Exodus 33:19-23 came up for discussion. Most likely we've all heard or read about this encounter Moses had with God. This time, while reading through the verses, God revealed something new to me, something He knew I needed to see. When I contemplate what happened between these two I'm so deeply touched that tears of thankfulness and love overtake me.

When Moses met with God he asked to see his glory. God's response reveals the Lord's tenderness and offers a picture of our God we rarely see. Scripture says, "The Lord replied, 'I will make all my goodness pass before you, and I will call out my name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. But you may not look directly at my face, for no one may see me and live.' The Lord continued, 'Look, stand near me on this rock. As my glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will removed my hand and let you see me from behind. But my face will not be seen.'"

As I contemplate God's tenderness toward Moses I am bathed in the warmth of true love. I can envision God gently setting Moses in the crevice of a rock and then with a father's compassion He covers Moses with his hand, making certain he is safe. Moses sees God only from behind as He passes by, and yet he is transformed.

This encounter gives us a glimpse of what is to come. Our Heavenly Father cares for us with a love we cannot comprehend. One day we will see Him face to face and we will fully experience His radiance. He loves us with the same intensity that He felt for Moses. He is with us every moment, placing his hand of protection upon us. His love will never diminish.

We're always and forever His.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Just Do It

"Just do it," is an idiom we're all familiar with. When Nike coined the phrase it meant go all out, live life, but they implied that we couldn't do that without wearing a pair of Nikes.

Over the years it's been used in a number of ways with countless meanings. I was reminded of this while in church Sunday when my pastor shared a quote from Harry Blamires who said, "Do we have a bowed head or a turned back?" You might wonder what this has to do with a Nike slogan. The context of the quote was that we have only two responses to authoritative spiritual counsel -- either do it or don't do it. That's pretty straight forward.

When we consider our spiritual walk are we more likely to bow to Christ or to turn our back? Think about the last time you knew God was asking something of you; what was your response? I've said no to the Lord many times. Often I'm not aware that that's what I'm doing. My decision to say no may be disguised as simple practicality. Or convincing myself the time's not right. There are a lot of things we tell ourselves to reassure us that we're not turnnig our backs. I do it. You do it.

What if we decided to always bow, always say yes to Christ no matter the consequences or circumstances? Our lives and the world would be transformed. We would be open vessels filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. We would posssess the peace that comes with knowing we are in God's perfect will. What better place can there be?

We are imperfect creatures. We will not always get "it" right. But if we decide to say yes more often the results may be stunning.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- God Whispers

This is a topic I've talked about before, but last weekend God gave me a powerful image of what it looks like to persevere. Our school district hosted a wrestling tournament. I spent the day in a school gym, watching boys battle for points and the ultimate pin.

I don't like wresting, never have. It's always seemed brutal. However since my grandson has taken up the sport I've grown to appreciate the strength and tenacity of wrestlers. I must admit I spend a good deal of time barely watching and praying while boys have their faces ground into mats, arms contorted so badly it seems they'll be torn out of sockets and their necks twisted in the most frightening positions.

Today while doing my best to keep my eyes on the matches the Lord whispered to me, "Watch and learn, see what I see." And then I saw something I'd been missing--tenacity, courage, strength and the refusal to give up. Many of the wrestlers, including my grandson, fight on even when all seems lost. They refuse to surrender.

My grandson didn't "win" all of his matches that day, but even when he "lost" he was a winner because he didn't give up. When matched against a boy three years his senior who clearly outweighed him, he kept fighting. I was impressed. While I watched I heard again that quiet voice of God whisper to me, "Don't give up."

God speaks and we need to listen. We face challenges and tasks that seem too difficult. We may even believe they're impossible to achieve. How will we know unless we fight on? Only then can we realize victory. It's in the battle that we gain strength, faith and knowledge that prepares us for the next contest.

Life holds a variety of rewards, but we'll only experience them if we're willing to take on challenges and fight for them. Many of the obstacles I encounter I've met before. They seem to be forever rising up to confront me. I've wanted to give up, thinking it can't be done. However, it will be easier now, for God has planted an image in my mind of a little boy in a wrestling hold that seems impossible to break free from. Yet, he makes a surprising move and not only breaks free, but wins the match.

All things are possible with God. We can do it. Fight on!


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Seize Opportunities

This week while reading in the book of Esther I was struck by something I hadn't noticed before. When reading the story of this remarkable woman I've been impressed by her courage, her faith, and her obedience, admirable traits we should all strive to live out. However on this read through I noticed another quality in Esther--she seized opportunities.

When King Xerxes decreed that all Jews be killed Mordecai said to Esther, the queen but also a Jew, "Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?" Esther's response? "If I must die, I must die."

Esther could have saved herself by keeping her lineage a secret. Instead she took hold of an opportunity to save her people. But she didn't jump into a plan carelessly. First she called others to join her in prayer and fasting, then trusting God she stepped forward, hoping to save her people. Knowing it might cost her life, she told the king the truth and requested he change his decree. The result--a nation was saved.

The opportunities presented to us most likely do not require that we put our lives on the line, but our decisions and actions have the power to change lives. Like Esther, we need to be aware of God's open doors. We need to be people who pray and when we're presented with a chance to make a change we need to seize it. God will provide opportunities.

Years ago when I first decided to write I had no idea that my hobby would become a career and a ministry. God had a plan and he flung open the doors. I walked through them. I'm not especially brave, but I could see that the opportunities presented to me were clearly God's doing. I didn't dare ignore him.

Don't turn your back on the open doors in your life. There are blessings and surprises on the other side. Step through and discover your destiny.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Live Sacrificially

Living sacrificially is a hard thing to get our hearts and minds around. I don't necessarily like it, particularly when the sacrifice of someone else means a sacrifice for me. After all, I wasn't called to that sacrifice . . . was I?

I recently received a video from my sister giving us a short tour of her new home. She and her husband gave up their comfortable home(only one mile from mine), family, friends, and their church to live in a remote area of Alaska where they serve God. They love their new life, but the sacrifice is real and sometimes painful for them as well as for the people they left behind who love them.

In the beginning I was mad. I love my sis and I loved having her close by. I knew God had other plans for her and that I was out of line. I was convicted again and again about my selfishness. I needed to embrace God's plans and let go of my own. I'm happy to say, God has managed to change my heart and though I still miss my sister I'm thrilled with what God is doing through her and her husband.

Serving God always requires sacrifice. Recently in a Bible study discussion we talked about the apostle Paul and his sacrifice. He served God with unwavering dedication. Even while imprisoned he held onto his calling and proclaimed the true faith to unbelievers. And he penned letters of instruction and encouragement to the churches and their leaders. In First Timothy he charged Timothy to fight the good fight and to hold tightly to the gospel of grace.

Paul's life is a good example for us. We've all been called, in one way or another, to serve. Service requires sacrifice--of our time, finances, maybe even our home. We have no excuses. There is always something we can do. When we put aside self God reveals His will and His way.

There is a saying often referred to in Weight Watchers--"Nothing tastes as good as thin feels." Getting to the place called "thin" takes sacrifice, but it's a good place to be.

I urge you dear friends, don't fight against God, fight with Him. Stand up to evil. Share the gospel. Encourage others. Love one another. Sacrifice may feel painful for a time but glorifying God through our lives brings true joy and satisfaction.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quite Moments With God -- All Good Things Come From God

I received a gift yesterday. The memory of my five-year-old granddaughter's joy-filled face.

After church, our women's ministry team provided a meal along with a raffle. We're raising money for the ministry fund. It was a fun time spent with friends over good food and with hopes of winning something special.

My granddaughter Olivia was on pins and needles, hoping to win a gift basket filled with items meant especially for a little girl. She'd put all of her tickets in that one gift box. When it was time to draw for that very special prize I believe Olivia was holding her breath. Her eyes were bright with anticipation, and when her name was called she leaped out of her chair and walked up to accept her prize.

With her arms wrapped around the over-sized gift box, she headed back to her seat, no doubt feeling like she'd won the lottery. Her expression shone with excitement and joy. That look stayed with me all day. I can see it now--pure joy unencumbered by life's circumstances. My little granddaughter has been through a lot of sorrow recently, but that's not what she was thinking about at that moment. All she knew was that she'd won the prize she wanted.

I too, have had special moments in my life. I've had some extraordinary gifts bestowed upon me--more than I can count. Sadly, I too often forget the gifts and become focused on circumstances. And as I envision my granddaughter's special moment and realize she was thinking of nothing but the gift, I'm reminded how far off the mark my life can sometimes be.

God has given me much to be thankful for--precious people to love and who love me, purpose in life, and much more than I need to sustain me. The apostle Paul said all we need to be content is enough food and clothing. I have much more and yet there are days when contentment seems far from my grasp. When I realize my ingratitude, tears fill my eyes and I wonder does my selfishness wound my Lord, who has given me so much?

God is good. My life is blessed. I want to shout, "THANK YOU! THANK YOU, GOD." And then I whisper, "Please forgive me. Forgive me for forgetting your goodness."

He has surrounded me with love and beaty. I have more than I could even think to ask for and more than I deserve. It is my prayer that I remember the precious moments, the blessings showered upon me, and the greatest gift of all--Christ. And may I give back . . . every day.

We have more than we know. Look at the blessings, see them and remember that all good things come from God.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Still In Love?

When I think back to my first weeks as a believer I remember a woman who was so in love with her Savior that she couldn't keep from telling others about Him . . . all the time. In truth, I was so enthusiastic about my Lord that it might have been good to lock me up for a couple of months. :-)

I couldn't stop talking about Him. I had to tell everyone what He'd done for me. Thankfulness and joy were overflowing. I remember spending hours on the phone with a friend every night -- all we did was read scriptures to one another. We were thrilled over every word.

When I consider the kind of Christian I am today, I wonder if I've lost a little something. I still love God, I'm still serving Him, and I want to know Him more and more, but I've become accustomed to His presence and sometimes forget how amazing it is to belong to Him. And the exultant joy is often controlled.

In all relationships, over time, there is a growing steadiness and deepening of understanding between the two. It's like that with my husband and I. I don't get gooseflesh every time he touches me the way I used to. But I love him more today than I did forty years ago when we first fell in love. However, I miss those days when all I thought about was him.

All is not lost. We don't have to settle for the status quo. We can recapture some of that early spark, and in fact, my husband and I have. It takes a desire and the will to do so. There's a lot to be said for joy-filled relationships and ardent hearts. But they don't happen by accident. We decide what kind of relationships we have with others, including that of our Lord.

Although there are seasons of desert living in our Christian walk, which have a purpose, we aren't supposed to live there. If our marriage with the Lord feels flat there's a remedy. He offers us fellowship, love and passion. It is ours to possess, if only we will take the time to unite with Him. Look around and recognize His presence. Open up to Him. Spend time with God, in His Word, in prayer and worship. Listen to Him.

Hebrews 12:2 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame."

Remember who He is and all that He has done to insure that each of us have a place in His kingdom. Fall back in love. God hasn't changed. He still loves us just as He always has. Truly remember Him and once again inexpressible joy will lighten your hearts.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie Leon

Tips For Triumphant Living -- Never Thirst

Most of us know the story about Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Today, I want to focus on one verse -- 14, which says, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

While reading from "My Utmost For His Highest" I was reminded of this verse. Christ offers us an everlasting spring of life. We need only to believe and accept God's gift. I've experienced this flowing spring, but I've also known dry places. And the question comes to mind--why do we experience stale, empty days?

If our spirits feel stale there are some questions we can ask ourselves. Am I giving all of me to God? Have I opened myself up to Him in every way? Do I try to hide parts of myself from Him? (Of course that's impossible--God knows even the number of hairs on our heads). And what is the source of my strength? If it's anything other than the Lord it's inadequate and the result will be the dwindling of freshness in our spirits. Of course the well will never run dry--eternal life is just that, eternal. However, we can limit the blessings God longs to bestow upon us.

I was particularly struck by Oswald Chamber's statement, "If you are depending on something else as your source of freshness and strength, you will not realize when His power is gone." That was a stunner--we won't even know. Not until we need His strength, that is. A frightening thought. It makes me feel defenseless and vulnerable.

May we seek Him above all else, rely on him completely. And recognize that we are nothing without the Lord. Until the day I draw my last breath, I pray for the freshness of the spirit and that I will be filled and overflowing. When the spirit of flows, others will know God's great love.

The never-ending supply of life comes from God, there is no other source. So, tap in. God rejoices over everyone who comes to Him.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Finding Shelter

Several years ago, my husband and I were traveling across Texas. The weather looked ominous, but it wasn't tornado season so we weren't concerned, even though the clouds did look peculiar to us west coast travelers.

The music on the country western radio station, we were listening to, was interrupted by a warning message. That happens all the time here in Oregon, and it's always a test. We weren't worried. But the warning was followed by a loud rasping siren-type noise. A tornado warning was in effect for the county we were traveling through.

It was startling and I was instantly tense, especially when I looked at the countryside around us and wondered where we could possibly take shelter if a tornado did roar toward us. There were no towns within miles, nor rest areas. There weren't even any ditches as far as I could tell. I felt absolutely vulnerable. I knew that choosing the proper shelter in a storm could make the difference in whether a person lived or died, and I had no clue what to do. I prayed and was rewarded by the peace of God.

The day ended without our facing any kind of emergency. We saw amazing cloud formations, and that night we slept in a town located in the only watch box on the weather map. Still, we were free of worry and slept soundly. We'd taken refuge in the one who truly had control over our lives. God knows and sees it all. He knew exactly where we were and He watched over us.

Psalm 37:39 - 40 says, "The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He sees them and they find shelter in Him."

My husband and I weren't alone in the Texas wilderness. God's hand was upon us. We were sheltered by Him.

No matter what kind of storms we face, finding the right shelter makes all the difference. When we turn to the Lord, we know the refuge he offers is sturdy, dependable and full of mercy. When we need Him, He will hide us beneath the shadow of his wings. I can't think of a better place to rest.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Tips For Triumphant Living -- A Little Magic

It's a new year and a lot of us have made New Year's resolutions or simply decided that "this year will be different". However, let's not leap into change willy-nilly. That can get us into trouble or may spell defeat.

Different is not necessarily better. So before we move forward let's take a look at last year. What was good about it? It might help to write out a list of the positive events or aspects of our lives in 2009. Likely you'll be encouraged. Let's not dump the good stuff just because we want change.

The next step would be to look at what we didn't like and need to change. List those as well. Post both your lists somewhere you will see them every day to remind you of your decision and to offer hope for better tomorrows.

I'll bet we have many similar goals. However, whatever it is that we hope to accomplish we've first got to think about how it lines up with God's Word and His will. Is what we want something He wants? To find the answer we need to contemplate on our goals, see what scripture has to say about them and do some praying.

When we're confident we're walking a path God would be happy with, we can be certain it's something we can accomplish. He doesn't ask us to do what cannot be done. And lets not forget that we don't have to rely on our own strength. God's strength is enough.

It's easy to imagine and dream about our aspirations, but doing them is another matter. The doing can be tedious, difficult and often requires diligence and flexibility. It takes place in the day to day grind. And is usually not nearly so grand as we had imagined. But to be good doesn't necessarily mean something must be grand.

I have a lot of changes I'd like to make this year, but today I'll only mention one--my schedule. I'm all over the place with it. I'm a night owl so getting up and getting to work happens in all kinds of ways at all different hours. If I get too few hours sleep I'm not much good during the day. So, first off I've got to get to bed earlier. I'm working on how to make that happen. Once my work day begins, I've got to stay focused. The phone and my email can and must wait. The difficulty in this is that I'm the one who controls me. I must choose--my way or God's way. His is always the best. His Word is clear about being self disciplined.

If I can work more diligently I'll have more free time for fun and maybe even a little exercise. I see myself as The Little Engine That Could -- I think I can, I think I can. I am weak but He is strong. I can do what God asks if I don't give up and if I rely on the One who makes me able.

So no matter what it is that you've decided needs improvement this year, move forward with confidence. Don't listen to that voice in your head that says you can't. What is it that God wants to change in you? Listen to Him, believe and obey and then wait for the magic.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie