Quiet Moments With God -- See What I Will Do

I've had many memorable days with my sister, Myrn. She and her husband, who live in Alaska, have been here on vacation.

I cherish time with my sister. She lives in a remote area of Alaska and we don't see one another often. While she was here, the weather was spectacular. We had lots of good chats, we ate too much, reminisced, laughed and cried. I'm feeling a bit sad today because she's on her way home.

After saying farewell, my thoughts stayed with my sister and others in my family. And when I read from the devotional, Jesus Calling, the words on the page spoke strongly to my spirit.

"Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands. Watch to see what I will do."

I do cling to my loved ones. I'm afraid to let them go and to trust them to God. In my family, it seems we are always have some sort of crisis or other. I pray and ask for God's guidance, His help, His will. And then I worry or come up with a plan to "fix" everything.

Oh how I love the Lord, but I sometimes wonder what happened to trusting Him? I know He loves my husband, children and grandchildren, mother and father, brothers and sisters. And that He knows their every need. They could not be in better hands.

The Lord tells us to pray. What a privilege it is to stand before the throne of God. But too often when my prayer is done that is when my difficulty begins. I want to cling, to manipulate, to come up with a plan rather than trust God to do His work. When I interfere I rob the people I love most of God's specific solution, His gentle and exquisite touch.

Listen for the voice of God. He sometimes asks us to be part of His solution, but often we are to do nothing other than pray and restrain ourselves from interfering. It's glorious to watch God bring about His will in ways we never dreamed possible. I'm convinced God loves to surprise us.

Have you been surprised? Can you tell us about it?


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Topic Of The Day -- Can Your Marriage Last?

Today, my husband and I celebrate forty years of marriage. Often people are surprised to hear we've been married so long. In today's world long marriages seem to be the exception rather than the rule. I think that's sad.

So, how did Greg and I make it this far?

It wasn't us. It was God. Without Him we wouldn't be together. Thirty-six years ago, we separated and Greg filed for divorce. He told me he didn't love me and never would. Life was awful. I cried a lot and thought I'd never find happiness.

Greg and I were a wreck of a couple, even from the very beginning. The day of our wedding, I walked down the aisle thinking, "If it doesn't work we can always get a divorce." Clearly I had little faith in us.

But God had plans.

Grieving and trying to learn to live on my own, I found Christ. I started praying that God would restore my marriage. Greg, for reasons he didn't understand, would stop by to see me . . . more and more often. Over several months friendship was restored and Greg discovered that he did love me after all. One surprising day he asked me to return to him. I was scared spitless, but knew that being at Greg's side is where I belonged. We were reunited and only two months later, Greg gave his life to Christ. Since that day, we've followed a Christian path together. There have been valleys to walk through and mountains to climb, but we've stuck together.

There is no magic formula. It's Christ. He is at the heart of our relationship. And when we chose one another for the second time we made a commitment to never throw in the towel. The "D" word was not allowed in our home.

Today, I look back over the years and see a long list of things we've done wrong, but so much of our life has been filled with richness and joy. We love each other more today than we did on our wedding day forty years ago. Greg is a good man and I'm so grateful God placed him in my life. And thankful for God's mercy and His greatness.

Every couple struggles--expect it. But don't give up. Instead give yourselves to God. He's in the business of restoration. Believe in Him and know that He can do it.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- The Power of Truth

Truth is powerful. It is triumphant. It offers freedom and comfort. It will set us free.

Why then do we listen to lies?

Satan whispers--You're no good, You'll never amount to anything. You can't overcome. Your faith is too weak. You're a fool. It's not that bad, everyone else is doing it. God's not real. The Bible is just a book.

What lie are you listening to? I'm still learning to discern truth from lies. Today I accepted a lie--You'll never get better. And then the Lord spoke truth to me and I heard Him.

While it's true my physical condition may not improve as much as I'd like, I will get better. And God has promised that no matter what happens to my physical body, one day I will arrive in heaven with a new and perfect body. While I walk this earth I will grow and I will be transformed. I know this because God stands with me. He will strengthen my will, my heart and my faith. My spirit will grow stronger and I will be better. God uses all things, even suffering.

I'll continue to do all I can to strengthen my body, but more importantly I will continue to pray and to trust in God who created me. I will NOT listen to the enemy. Instead I will remember God said, "He who is in you is Greater than he who is in the world."

Don't listen to lies. The Truth will set you free.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Topic of the Day: Celebrate!

We are rejoicing! Today, our new grandson, Kadin Matthew Ketcham was born. From the beginning of time, God knew about this momentous event. We only learned about it a few months ago. We've waited and prayed and anticipated his arrival. Today was the day.

When I held little Kadin in my arms I was overcome with emotion and couldn't hold back tears of joy and thankfulness. He is an answer to prayer. For many years, my daughter Kristina has prayed for another child. She has hung onto the belief that one day it would happen. Today her prayers were answered. We thank God for His goodness.

Looking upon Kadin's sweet face I see possibilities stretching out before him. Though God is the only one who knows the path he will walk, those who love him will be at his side, loving, teaching, encouraging and disciplining this child--supporting Kadin as he grows into a man we pray has a heart for God.

This is a day of new beginnings. A day filled with hopes, dreams and possibilities. It is a privilege to be a part of someone else's life. Today it is Kadin who is on our hearts, but whether it's a grandchild, a neighbor or a friend God asks us to care for and to love one another. He instructs us to uplift and to pray for each other. It is with joy and a sense of adventure that we set off together with Kadin on life's journey.

You and I are family too. May we see one another with the same wonder and expectation that I feel when I look at my grandson who is so recently from God. Who is in your life that you can join--that you can nurture--love? Whomever it is, rejoice at the wonder of the adventure.


Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- How Great Is Our God.

This week I'm a guest on K Dawn Byrd's blog at www.kdawnbyrd.blogspot.com. She asked me if I would share three things people didn't know about me. One of the three that I mentioned is a speech impediment I had when I was a child.

A speech impediment doesn't sound like a big deal, but it was for me. The response from others left deep wounds. I'd try so hard to make people understand what I was saying, but I couldn't do it. One by one the other kids turned away from me. I was different. My mother says I'd try so hard to communicate. I'd say something over and over until I was yelling. Who wants to listen to someone yell gibberish at them?

It took only two years of speech therapy to cure my speaking difficulties, but another twenty to heal my wounded heart. Sometimes, even today, I get hurt without real cause and I can trace the hurt all the way back to the days when I was an outcast.

Even when I felt I was good for nothing God had plans for me. Surprisingly some of those included public speaking. Not only do I speak for all sorts of groups, but I love it. Who would have guessed.

In a response to one of the people who commented about my speech impediment on K Dawn's blog I said, "How great is our God!" He is great, beyond our understanding. He can do more with our lives than we can dream or imagine. I love the verse Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

When I was a wounded little girl I had no idea what God would do with my life. I couldn't imagine that He'd bind up my broken heart and teach me to trust Him. He knew what lay ahead for me. What an amazing thing He has done.

He has a plan for your life too. Trust Him. Keep walking your path and be amazed at how great is our Lord.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Topic Of The Day: Bookstores--A Thing Of The Past?

Our small town is losing its Borders bookstore and its Christian bookstore, both in the same month. They are the only two in our community.

Our town's not the only one who is losing its stores. For months, brick and mortar bookstores have been closing across our nation. One by one, we've watched them fall, overtaken by huge online corporations, electronic books and a sick economy. How far will it go? Will we one day remember libraries with fondness and tell our grandchildren and great grandchildren how wonderful it once was to stoll along aisles of bookshelves where we could choose anyone we wanted? Will we have to explain what it feels like to curl up in a chair with a good old fashioned book?

I'm sad. Each Mom and Pop store represents people who invested time, money and their hearts into their business. Employees lose jobs and communities lose a place where they can connect.

In the Bible, God speaks often about how important it is for people to gather together. And I don't think He's talking just about churches, but all sorts of locals where we join others and are linked because of similar interests. I've been talking to people in my community who are stunned and they're asking, "What happens now?"

As long as I can remember I've loved books, real books made with paper and ink, not some hand-held device with the image of a book. I love the smell and feel of books. I make notations in some and the best ones I keep to read again.

The trend toward electonic books has come too far to stop. For centuries, books have been treasured, but in this quickly evolving world we seem willing to release one of mankind's most precious creations with barely a blink of the eye.

Convenience sucked us in. It's so easy to simply click a button and either instantly download a book or wait for it to arrive in the mail. Will real books go the way of our bookstores? What will we do when there are no more real books?

Have you thought about where you'll get your next Bible? What will happen when we can no longer hold a Bible in our hand, write notes in the margins and highlight special portions of scripture? I can't imagine a world like that.

I usually write posts that are uplifting and encouraging. And although the changes in the book world are hard for me to take, I don't think books are going to disappear. We will always have them in one form or another. I'm just going to miss the old fashioned bookstores along with the old fashioned books.

For now, I'm hanging on to my books and I'll share them. And although it will no longer be possible for me to drive into town and wander through my two favorite bookstores I'm continuing to do well without an electronic book.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Whisper His Name

Recently in a devotional I read, the author talked about whispering God's name. I remembered a time, as a young woman, when I was in the midst of darkness and all I could do was say His name. I knew very little about Jesus, but He carried me through days of fear and heartache. I didn't know Him as Savior, but I knew His name was powerful and healing.

I was going through one of the toughest times of my life. I'd recently lost a baby, my father had died from cancer, a dear friend had also succumbed to cancer and I was in the midst of a divorce. I had no strength for battles. But I found myself in the midst of one. I needed a job badly and the place that hired me was in the middle of a strike. Each day I had to cross a picket line going in to work and going out.

That first week Kathy, a friend of mine, stopped to visit me. Kathy told me she was a new believer. To be truthful, I didn't understand and didn't really care. I had "more important things to think about" or so I thought. That evening before Kathy left my house she said something that stuck with me. She said, "I just want to tell you one thing. Jesus loves you."

I didn't know Jesus, but I needed to be loved and I needed someone to stand with me. Every day when I crossed that picket line people hurled obscenities at me, but I repeated over and over, "Jesus loves me. Jesus loves me." Saying the words gave me strength and shut out the foul words and accusations. The Lord loves to hear His name and He knew I needed to hear it too.

My life was in ruins and each day I felt as if I were wading through a river of sorrows. But through my tears I'd whisper, Jesus loves me and I'd go on. He carried me. He lifted me up. And then one day I heard a television minister speak of Jesus. He shared the gospel and I listened. And then I knelt in front of the television and gave my heart to Christ. He lifted me up from a pit of despair and I said His name again and again. His name--His beautiful name. To this day, when I say the name of Jesus it soothes my heart.

Say His name -- He hears and I know He smiles.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Love Never Fails

I love my grandchildren. God has blessed me by planting them close. We get to spend a lot of time together and I'm convinced they're exceptionally lovable. They teach me things about life that I might not see if not for them. I learn from their goodness and their naughtiness.

Recently, I've been thinking on the behavior of two of my grandsons. They're usually buddies who support one another and share good times. However, they sometimes forget that they even like each other. They strike out with unkind words and sometimes with their fists. After one of these episodes they go through a process of rebuilding the relationship. They're just kids and so this doesn't usually take long, but the conflicts happens again and again. There's competition over who is smarter, stronger better at video games or athletics. I don't know why they compete but I do know that it begins with self.

I've seen conflict rise up between friends, business partners and family, including church family. Clashes have the power to destroy relationships and can tear apart organizations, including our churches. They begin for various reasons, but if you go to the core of the matter you will most likely discover that it began with self.

Sad to say, human beings are self-centered. We want what we want when we want it. And on top of that, we think we deserve whatever that is.

There is a way to avoid this kind of destructive behavior. 1st Corinthians, chapter 13 shows us the way, but today I'm going to focus on just four verses, beginning with verse 4. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Straight forward and simple. All we have to do is love one another. If only it were so easy. It should be. God is love and He lives in us. So . . . shouldn't we possess the qualities described in 1st Corinthians 13? We do, but our sinful nature gets in the way.

There's only one man who lived a sinless life--Christ. We're all sinners and incapable of living a sin free life. Nevertheless, most of us can do better. Imagine what our lives would be like if we lived out the above verses. The first word that comes to my mind is peace. If everything was about love instead of self I'd be at complete peace with whatever comes my way. What about you? What do you see when you consider the possibility of loving at all times?

Because we're human we commit sinful acts and thoughts every day, many times a day. We muffed up perfection way back in The Garden. But alls not lost. We can create a world that possesses more justice, more kindness, more love. If each one of us will strive to be more like Christ we will love in a way that will impact our world for good.

Perhaps making a vow (not to be taken lightly) to follow Paul's teachings on love would be what we need to kick start a better way of living out our days. We can begin each day by renewing our vow and doing our best to catch ourselves when we are tempted to do otherwise. We would love more completely and I guarantee that our heartache over the failings in our lives will fade, at least a little . . . for love never fails.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Topic of the Day: The Verdict

The verdict is in. People are in shock. Casey Anthony innocent?

For nearly three years, we've heard what a monster Casey Anthony is. And maybe it's true. I don't know her heart, only God does. In recent weeks, during the trial, the news media pounced. They crucified Casey Anthony, reminding me of sharks in bloodied water.

The United States has a judicial system that was created to avoid things like lynch mobs. It's imperfect, but it works well most of the time. I agree that Casey Anthony's behavior was bizarre, suspicious and immoral, but that does not mean she murdered her daughter.

There is a standard in this country that says a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. I'm embarrassed and ashamed of the conduct shown by our press and the "experts" and, yes, some of us. We needed to hear all of the testimony before a decision could be made. And sadly, so much of what we heard through radio and television was inaccurate. We were not on that jury, and we do not have the right to decide Casey Anthony's guilt or innocence.

How many of us made up our minds, pointed fingers, ridiculed the attorneys and determined guilt or innocence through the distorted lens of the media? What should we have done? Perhaps we should have prayed for the family, including Casey Anthony. After all, as vile as she may seem, God loves her. Did we pray for truth and justice? Did we pray . . . at all?

The morning the verdict was announced I read a devotional given from the viewpoint of God. He said, "I love to make your life a glorious adventure." The words pierced my heart. I am blessed. He has made my life a glorious adventure, even with the many troubles and heartaches I've endured. But the Anthony family, no matter what the verdict, have most likely lost their opportunity for such a life. Their lives are a waste land. They lost a beautiful child, their integrity, their faith in one another. They threw accusations at each, were mired in lies and their lives torn to shreds. And a sweet little girl lost her life.

God wanted better for them. We should want better for them.

Consider carefully the choices you make. And choose -- Love. Joy. Peace. Grace. Pray for others. Do not squander your lives. May it be a glorious adventure.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- The Compass

Have you ever been lost? I mean physically lost, like in the woods or while you've been wandering around a new city? Without a guide or a map, how did you know which way to turn? There is no way to know--we guess. And guessing sometimes gets us more lost than ever and sometimes into deep trouble.

Every day we make choices, thinking we know the way except we don't. Decisions are part of life. Some are inconsequential and others are of great importance. An imperative choice -- choose the truth or the lie. It's not an easy decision. The lies of this world are insidious. The enemy is crafty. And if we're not careful we may find ourselves captured within a sphere of bad choices with devastating consequences.

With so much at stake, how do we choose?

What is truth? Think about it for a moment. Do you have the answer? If not, how does it feel to be lost when you didn't even know you were?

Truth is reality as viewed by God.

We're not God and in a culture filled with lies we carelessly exchange the truth of God for a lie. When we find ourselves in a quagmire there is a way out. Reach for it.

The truth lies in The Word of God. Abide in Him and in His Word and faith will overcome feelings. Feelings mislead. Hang onto The One who is truth and find peace in knowing that He will not lead you astray.

The bottom line is it's up to us. We choose whether or not to dwell in the presence of The Almighty . . . or not.

Know truth because what we believe is real affects how we react and feel. Have you believed the lies of the world? I have and I've paid consequences for poor choices.

Truth or the lie. How will you choose?

Grace and peace to you from God.

Quiet Moments With God --

Topic of the Day: Book Review

I received my first review for my upcoming book, Wings of Promise. As much as I'd like to say I don't care about reviews, I do.

Romantic Times gave me 4 1/2 stars for my last two books. They don't give five stars, so those are excellent reviews. Four stars is also very good, which is what Wings of Promise received. I should be thrilled. Instead I'm having a bit of difficulty getting excited over four stars.

I realize I'm being silly and self absorbed over something like a review. However, I'm pretty certain that some of you authors know just how I feel. Writers work hard, putting months of work into one single book. We place ourselves and our skills out there for everyone to see, and we want the best results, not second best.

The truth is reviews are very subjective. I need to remember that I don't write for reviewers. I write for my readers and for God. They're the only ones who matter. So, here it is -- Romantic Times review for Wings of Promise.

"The Alaskan Skies series takes you into the forbidding Alaskan bush and gives readers new perspective on what it means to be a caring neighbor. The loneliness and desperation of the bush pilot makes a great story. This is about more than overcoming obstacles in the Alaskan skies. It is about finding the peace within ourselves to go on."

I feel much better after talking this over with you. Four Stars! Awesome!

Give the book a try and enjoy the adventure.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Don't Quit

I love a good movie, especially when it's based on a true story. And so a few nights ago when my husband and I settled down to watch the movie Secretariat I was looking forward to a good time. However, God never wastes anything and He had more than just fun in store for me.

From the moment Penny Chenery inherited the family stables she had a fight on her hands. It was her grit, belief in her father's dream, her refusal to give up and faith in a spritely colt that she called Big Red that launched a horse to greatness.

The movie was rife with treasures, but one scene stood out above the others. It is the night before the Premont Stakes. The Triple Crown is within reach. Penny Chenery goes to the stables to see Secretariat. She tells the big red horse, "I realized something. I've already won. I made it here. I didn't quit. I've run my race. Now you run yours."

Those words went straight to my heart. I want to be able to say that I've won--that I didn't quit and that I ran my race.

Life isn't easy for any of us. Illness, circumstances, people who don't believe in us or our dreams, fears and roadblocks placed in our way by the enemy try to keep us from greatness, from the calling placed upon our lives by God. I can't count the number of times I've wanted to give up. It would be so much easier to simply ignore the challenges placed in front of me and to curl up somewhere and hide from the world. And then I hear . . .

Don't Quit! Believe in The One who has called you.

God has a plan for our lives, but know this--nothing of value comes easy. We need what Secretariat had--heart. And we need what Penny Chenery had, faith and stamina for the race we've been called to run. The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:24 "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."


Don't quit. Run to win.

Grace and peace to you from God,

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- A Glimpse

Who do you love--your spouse, children, parents, grandchildren, best friend? As the saying goes, "Isn't love grand?" We can probably come up with a list of those we love. How about one for the people who love us?

Many are alone and lonely. Cast off souls have always been part of this world, but in our present generation there are so many more. We're too busy, too self absorbed. We may be building careers or hiding out in homes sitting in front of televisions or computers.

What is love supposed to look like? In my reading this morning I found myself in 1 Corinthians 13, familiar passages for many of us. The chapter speaks powerfully about what love is and what it is not. We make choices about how we love--career vs family & friends, addictions vs connections, self vs others.

The chapter ends with this statement, "Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."

God is love. He has always been and always will be. Therefore love has always been and always will be. His love is incomprehensible. But if we look around and see what He has created--feel His presence--trust in His Son who was given for us--we get a glimpse. How great is God's love!

When my first child was born I was given a glimpse of this kind of love. My son was only minutes old when I held him in my arms. I gazed down at this miracle of life and my heart was flooded with a love I'd never experienced before. I would sacrifice my life for this child, and I understood that we were forever bonded.

I don't think we'll fully comprehend God's kind of love until we stand in His presence. In the meantime what do we do with it? Do we refuse the love He offers? Accept it, but go on ignorant and alone? Or do we accept, cherish and return His love and offer it to others? We choose.

No matter what choice we make it doesn't change God. He'll love us no matter what. But if we refuse Him we won't be His child, we'll simply be His creation.

Choose God as Father. Never be alone. Always be cared for. And loved even when we do the very worst thing.

It's a wonderful thing to be cherished. I think I understand. For the greatest of all things is love.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Forgive Me

Sometimes I hate being human. I react too quickly and open my mouth when I should keep it closed, particularly when I'm offended or hurt for someone else. The Holy Spirit quickly convicts me, reminding me who I am. I am a child of God. And all that I do and say I do as a representative of Him. When I'm at my worst I dishonor Him.

This morning I did just that. And I know of no way to retrieve my words. Once spoken they can't be undone. An apology may be helpful, but the damage is done.

Like all mankind I'm plagued by sin--plain and simple.

Paul understood all of this well. In Romans 7:14-16 he said, "We know that the law is spiritual, but I am unspiritual,sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do--this I keep on doing."

Forever on my knees--that is where I find myself, seeking God's forgiveness. I suppose I should be thankful that at least I know when I've done wrong. There was a time I wouldn't have recognized my sin. I am growing in Christ, but sadly I have a long way to go. I'm guessing we all do.

Don't give up. When you do or say something that dishonors God or hurts another seek God. He will forgive. And after you've done that, do your best to correct the wrong done or seek forgiveness from the one you've wronged. They may not forgive, at least not right away. Give them time. If it doesn't happen, go on but never forget the consequences of sin. Lean hard on God for strength, compassion and love for we are to love even our enemies.

We will never achieve perfection while on this earth, but when we place our whole selves in God's hands we can be assured that we will grow and become more like Him. And the more we're like Him the more people will see God. And that can change the world.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

TOPIC OF THE DAY: Just Another Saturday?

It's been all over the news -- Judgment is coming. It's true. But it didn't come last Saturday. Only God knows the time and day. Even Christ said He didn't know. It's foolish for man to believe he can figure it out. My heart aches for those who believed and prepared, some giving up everything. And then they waited and there was no return. It really was just another Saturday.

What was I doing last Saturday? I was living. And because of that Saturday wasn't JUST another day. It was special, filled with love and laughter. I watched my two eight-year-old grandsons play baseball. And I loved every minute of it. It was most definitely not ordinary.

Though I wait for Christ's return, He tells me to live and to love and to share His love with others. And then at the right time, He will return. My job, as it were, is to follow Him and be an ambassador for Him. I read and study His Word. I pray and worship. But I also spend time with the people I love and meet new people and pray that one day I will be able to share the good news of Christ with them.

Being at that baseball game was part of a bigger picture. I chatted with my daughter, husband and neighbors. We cheered for the kids out on that field. They were learning about discipline, sportsmanship and about having a good time. I saw a lot of smiles, leaps of joy, expressions of surprise and comradarie. Those kids were having a good time and they blessed my socks off.

I encourage each of you to look and wait for Christ, but while you do remember that as you go about your every day tasks enjoy God's gift of life and share His truths with others.

I thank God for grandsons and for baseball, for every good thing. And I look forward to the return of Christ, but until He comes I don't plan to waste the days given to me. There's so much to be done, so much to enjoy.

Treasure every moment.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- If No One Shows Up

We've all heard the question, "What would happen if there was a war and no one came?" That would likely be a good thing, but I got to thinking about the concept, only in the context of church. What if the doors of the churches were open and no one came? If statistics are accurate that's where we're heading. Attendance is down, the 20 and 30 something's are staying home. There's a spiritual war going on and we need to be ready to battle. But first we must be prepared.

I love church so showing up is usually easy for me. Christ told us to gather together. And when He speaks we need to listen. He means what He says. There are important reasons for us to attend church. Sadly many people choose not to go. Others show up, but they're not really there. They are simply filling space, doing what's expected. If we claim to be followers of Christ what does it say about us when we can't give our Lord a couple of hours once a week?

Let's be honest. Sometimes Sunday morning comes and we've got other things to do that don't include God. Maybe we've got a garden that needs our attention, or a fishing trip planned. Sometimes all I want to do is plunk down on the sofa, with a blanket wrapped around me, a cup of coffee in hand and a movie running on my television. Occasionally that's how I spend a Sunday morning.

I don't want to get legalistic about church attendance. Sometimes we miss church for good reason. And God doesn't stomp on us if we decide to go fishing on occasion or do some gardening or even watch a movie. But I think our Heavenly Father is grieved when His children refuse to make time for Him. They don't understand that He wants to meet with them. Getting together with God happens in all sorts of settings, and church is one of them.

When I choose to remain home wrapped in my blanket I miss out. I miss out on worship, on fellowship, and on the teaching of God's Word.

Corporate worship lifts my spirits and helps me see God. Sometimes when I'm surrounded by the voices of other believers I know my Lord is there.

My pastor works hard to prepare and share lessons from God's Word. It is spiritual nourishment. Without it we will starve. Starvation destroys lives. But when we know the treasures hidden within the heart of God life is so much sweeter. How amazing it is to know that He speaks directly to us through His Word. And though we do not see it, a spiritual battle is being waged. We cannot win that war without the armor of God. Only in His Word will you discover the armor you need to fight and win.

At church we spend time with our Christian family. Consider how we feel when long periods of time pass without seeing our husband or wife, our mother and father, our children, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles. Time spent with family refreshes our soul. Sunday means family time.

Gathering together is a gift. Be there.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God: Submit?

How many of you like the word SUBMIT? Come on, be honest. I admit right here in front of God and everyone -- I don't like it. I understand its importance. And even when I'm living a submissive life, rebellion niggles at me.

Why? I'm always asking why. When I was a child, I'm sure I drove my parents mad with all of my "why" questions.

God is good and He understands my need to know why. I can count on Him. He always answers me. Just this week, during Bible Study the topic of submission came up. God's way of addressing my "why" question? Possibly. :-)

The world has distorted the meaning of the word SUBMIT. The enemy is at the core of this distortion. He tosses lies at us and in the barrage we must know the truth if we're to recognize the lie. Like many others I've accepted distortions, including this one.

During our study time on Tuesday I was reminded that throughout his life Christ submitted to The Father. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the night before His arrest, Christ set before us a perfect and exquisite picture of true submission. He fell to the ground and prayed, "Abba Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will." Christ knew what awaited Him at the hands of those who hated Him. He understood not just the physical torture he would endure, but the spiritual weight of the world's sin that would be placed upon Him as well the separation between Him and His Father that must occur. He and the Father are one. How excruciating that one and only time of separation must have been. Yet, Jesus said yes to all that was required of Him. He submitted to His Father's will.

SUBMIT is a word of excellence. God's divine imprint. Christ submitted to His Father, the Holy Spirit submitted to the Father and the Son. The Church honors and submits to its leaders. A wife submits to her husband (who is to love her as Christ loved the church), and children submit to their parents. We submit to the authorities. God's imprint is everywhere.

What happens when we refuse to submit? The world tells us that life is all "about me". Me. Me. Me. Take a look around. How do you think that's working out?

God's divine imprint is all about relationship. The kind of relationships that honor God, family, friends and leaders. Submission brings order and peace. And our Father is the God Head whom we submit our lives.

Honor Him. You'll like it. I promise.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Topic of the Day: Work

In today's economy, finding work is on the minds of many Americans. Living without a job is something far too many American are well acquainted with. Most are willing to take whatever they can get--they just need a job. Our area has been hit hard. In fact,not long ago while reading the classifieds in our local paper I was stunned to see only one job opening listed--one. Unbelievable!

Yesterday, while reading from "My Utmost For His Highest" the final line said something amazing, although it disturbed me at first. Oswald Chambers wrote, "No one has any right to demand where he will be put to work." My mind went to the previous night's news cast and its dismal jobs report and I thought who is demanding these days. But of course my wandering mind had moved out of the context of the devotional. Context is critical if we're going to understand the true meaning of a statement.

Mr. Chambers was not talking about "jobs", but rather discipleship. When God chooses men and women to build His Kingdom He goes to those who love Him, people who have a close relationship with Him and who are passionate about their devotion to Him. Disciples desire whatever God desires. However, we are just human and so we don't always stand up and cheer when we discover our "job" description. But those who seek God's will above their own step out in obedience even if they sometimes do so with fear and trembling.

When we hand our lives over to God, His desires become ours and even if we set out upon the path of His choosing with dismay and uncertainty we will discover joy and fulfillment. God knows the beginning and the end and His design for our lives is always best even when it's not what we would have chosen.

Working for the Master Builder means following His way, doing His work and finding peace and contentment in the work--no matter what that work might be.

And to those of you who are without a job, God knows and He sees. He will not desert you. And He may bless you with a job that is also placed upon the path He has chosen just for you. I pray you're needs will be met as you wait for His will.

God doesn't let anything in our lives go to waste and no life that is dedicated to Him can ever be a waste.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God: What Is

Last weekend I attended a church retreat. I love retreats! They are good places to connect with old friends and to make new ones. There is time for rest and for fun, and it seems God always has something new to teach me. This retreat was extra special because it was my first trip away from home since I hurt my back in August. I left home with some trepidation, but all turned out well. Praise God!

Our speaker this year was Judy Dippel. What a special woman--she's fun and wise and she had good stuff to share with us ladies. At the end of the weekend, I left with a lot to think about.

One of Judy's statements really stuck.--"Think about what is, not what isn't." When she said that, I felt it right in my gut. I spend too much time thinking about what isn't. I miss my old life (before my back went bad) and I admit here and now that I long for the person I once was. But the plain and simple truth is, I can't change what happened. And no good will come from pondering on my loss.

I decided to make a list of what is and what isn't. I hoped that having a visual comparison would help me see the truth. Here's a little part of my what is list.

God created me.
I am His child.
His Son, Jesus died for me.
God has blessed me with a loving family and good friends.
Tomorrow is filled with hope.
God's Word is true and can be trusted.
God will never forsake me.
My eternity will be spent in the presence of God.
God hears my prayers.
He has blessed me with a home in the midst of His creation.
My husband loves me, even after forty years of marriage.
My children bless my life.
I lack for nothing.

I'll stop there--I have a long list of what is.

I'm left with a question -- With all that I have to be thankful for, why does my mind often go to what isn't? I cringe at what I see. Self. It's all about me.

Life's challenges can drag us into a whirlpool of self pity. And seeing what others have--their successes or their possessions drag us into the sin of covetousness. Once caught up, we go around and around, unable to break free. But God loves us too much to leave us there. He'll use something or someone to remind us how much He's given, how full our lives are. And that we have a Holy and merciful God who loves us even when we forget Him. Our lives are secure and full of promise in His capable hands. The possibilities are endless. Tomorrow is another day filled with potential.

Make your own list. See what is and be thankful. God promises us hope and a future.

Get excited about WHAT IS!

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie