Category: Truth

Trust

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Do you haves worries, fears, anxious moments, stress, frustration and doubt? This life we live can be tough at any time. But the reason we feel out of control is just saying, “ I do not trust the one who is in control.”  God, the one who made everything just the way he designed it. All heaven and earth. He knows all. He knows all before it ever comes into existence.

That God loves you. He wants only for you to love him in return. But even still, when we are at our worst, he loves us more than we could ever imagine. He knows us better than ourselves. When we have doubts and fears He knows just what we are capable of. And what he wants for us.

He wants us to enjoy this life and wants us to be successful in our eyes. To be fulfilled and happy. He wants to lavish us with all good things. But he will also discipline us just as any lovin’ father would when we stray from what is good for us. Discipline is not done out of anger or hate but out of pure love.

A love that does not want to see us run out in front of a fast moving car or swallow a dangerous substance, something harmful for us.

In my life as I grew up my father expected certain behaviors from me. He wanted to see me have fun and enjoy myself but he also raised me to be responsible, respectful and to be of good character. I had limits. He loved to reward me for trying harder. Doing things that were good for me and helped me grow.

As I was busy living life and raising a family I never worried, “Oh God I don’t want to have a stroke.” It never even occurred to me. But as I was busy enjoying my life I had a massive stroke. It nearly took my life. Leaving me totally unable to speak or move at all.

I lay in the hospital totally helpless and unable to do anything for myself. Over the next few years I had lost everything that seemed to matter in my life. My husband, my home, my job, my favorite car and my airplane. All the things I had acquired in this life I thought I needed.

It was a very tough time and it tore me apart. I wanted them back. I know I had done things wrong in my life. Things that I was not proud of. Things  that I would do very differently if given the chance. But I had a new life I had to get adjusted to.

Thirteen years later I can say with zero doubt in my mind that it was the best thing that ever happened to me. God knew what he was doing. I love my life now. The people in my life now are wonderful. I love who I have become and enjoy the great relationship I have with Jesus. Each day is sweeter and sweeter.

I know people who worry about things everyday that could change their lives. What if this happens or that? Who is to say what really is good or what really is bad in my life.

Only he who knows the beginning from the end Knows what is best for me.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they.”   Matthew 6:25-26. NIV

Have you ever seen a worried crow? No, they don’t worry about their day. It just happens.

Can we really say something is bad in our lives? I love to see bad things happen just to see how God can turn it around. I get so blessed by his unusual answers to our prayers.

Over the last thirteen years I have read my Bible thru many times and seen God’s faithfulness time and time again in his word and in life. So many people I know have gone through so much but God has proved to be trustworthy. I now can pray your will be done good or bad. I can really mean it.

I do not know what tomorrow holds, but I know who holds tomorrow in the palm of his hand.

Creation.

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I had the opportunity to go to the Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale Friday. My daughter and her son took me for the day. I greatly recommend it for those who haven’t been. I was so in awe of all the creatures living in oceans and streams. I can not look at the great diversity and see how it just happened.

Everything in that place just cried out God is awesome. So very many fish and water animals of all colors and shapes. I saw tiny little seahorses about 2-3 inches long swimming among the plants in their tanks. They would hold on to the plants with their tails while they slept or ate. So perfect in detail.

I watched otters frolicking around and found out that they are very excited by anything with wheels. They would get so excited at a stroller or even my wheelchair. The are so cute. They drew a large crowd. There behavior is so fun to watch.

So many different size and shapes of fish and such funny names. It looked as if they were making odd faces at me. Most very grumpy looking. I really enjoyed just watching them. One tank had sea turtles and my grandson spoke up. “Hey these are special needs turtles.” Most of the turtles were missing limbs.

Later in the day we heard that many turtles are hurt by boaters and debris in the water. They can no longer survive in the wild so this kind of home is perfect for their rehabilitation. Being in a wheelchair myself I can relate to what it takes to adapt. But God helps all creatures whether man or beast relearn the way they do things.

The way they learn to survive in their environment by coloring and the way they were designed. It is all so well thought out. How could something that perfect just happen. My mind just can not see anything about evolution as being plausible. I just got a magazine from the NCI. National Creation Institute in Dallas Texas.

This Institute is doing great things about building creation museums and educating people on true research that shows real facts of Creation. These aren’t just theories but actual researched facts that support the Bible’s history and timelines. Their magazine is called ‘Facts and Acts’. Great name.

There are so many scientists and researchers that are strong Christian authorities. They are striving to show truth. For so many years we have been programmed to think one way, evolution. But more and more wholes are being found in those theories.

I noticed this morning so much more than I normally do. So much beautiful landscaping. A beautiful golf course with so many different trees. Every shape and color. Man has done a great job of taming and designing around nature but give God the credit for all he has given us to work with.

I know of a new exhibit near my daughters home that has a life size recreated example of what Noah’s arc would have looked like. They got to go there this summer on their vacation . I guess it was massive. They really enjoyed it. I have no idea how all those animals got along for so many days. It must haves smelled too.

I am so glad there are places like that for my grandkids to explore. Things that finally give credit where credit is long overdue.

Chosen

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“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special possession, that you may declare the praises of him that called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9 NIV

“You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Exodus 19:6 NIV

We have been chosen by God before time began. Before we were ever formed we were called out to be his chosen people. Not everyone is chosen. We are called to be the sons and daughters of Christ. We are called to serve our king.

We are to be the image of Christ. To be Jesus hands and feet to our communities.

We must accept this gift he has given us. It was given freely by Christ as he suffered and died on the cross to give us the chance to be made right with God. We have been given free will to choose for ourselves who we will serve.

Once we have chosen to serve the Lord we need to begin every day with that commitment. We live every day in this world but this is not our true home. It is with Christ in heaven. Each day we need to choose him. To follow his ways and serve him with our whole being.

As part of the special needs community it is very important to be chosen and accepted and loved. I had the privilege to go to camp all last week up in Williams, Arizona. Along with sixty or so other handicapped individuals we got to spend the week with Special Touch Ministries..

It is a wonderful environment for all ages. All different physical and emotional needs. We are loved on and accepted for who we are. We learn who we can be in Christ.

We are called to be priests. Jesus no longer lives on this earth. The only way people can see Jesus is through his children, his priests. We are very special to him. He is with us the whole way and will help us.

For me personally I learned that God has called me to be an encourager. The words I speak are not mine but God’s words spoken through me. This is one reason why I started this blog. I always had a desire to help people. I am a fixer. I like telling people how to fix themselves.

I had many opportunities to speak to people at camp and show his will for them. It was great but it was him not me talking. I am just willing to be used by God. He is not physically walking on earth but we are. The only way for others to see God is through us as we serve as his priests.

He has brought us out of our past of darkness and sin and given us light a future, eternal life with him. We have so much to be thankful for. His Glory and Mercy and his greatness is so manifest in our lives. The more we give the more he gives.

Peace wonderful peace.

Many people accept the gift of eternal life. And then go about life on their own doing whatever they want. Theirs is a wasted life and they don’t know all they are missing. I was one of those people for forty some years before I really got to know Jesus Christ and make him my personal friend and King.

My life has changed drastically and I never want to go back. Life is not about me but about Jesus Christ in me the hope of glory. He has made my life complete. Come join me.

In His Presence

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In Isaiah 55:6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found, call on him while he is near” and in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled,” we are given very important wisdom for a full life. Throughout life we all strive for peace, joy and acceptance. We go to great lengths to get this. God tells us that in His presence is fullness of joy.

That sounds so simple. Can’t be that simple, right? What is the meaning of life and how can we be satisfied and fulfilled.

I was born into a wonderful Christian home. Before I was ever born God had a plan for me. He had a call on my life and knew just how it would play out.

When I was just five I came to know the Lord one day in kindergarten. When I was a teen I went to church camp and was filled with the Holy Spirit.

My life was blessed even though I thought it was normal. My dad always told me how important it was to be at church whenever the doors were open and i was from birth. I always tried to be good and do what I was told. I went to vacation Bible school each summer and won prizes for learning all the books of the Bible, memorizing scripture, and knowing different Bible characters.

I always did great because my dad had us read the children’s story Bible during dinner time. Heck I knew all the stories and all the characters. I still struggled with doing all I should. I always forgot to pray and after I got married I tried to read my Bible regularly but life was just so busy, husband, kids, job, and living life seemed enough.

It wasn’t till I was 45 and had a severe stroke that I finally had plenty of time on my hands. Laying flat on my back, unable to move or speak, God had my attention. What was going on. I was calm and not really worried because I knew God was in control but it was hard.

A friend came to see me and offered to read the Bible to me. That made a huge impact on me. When I could I vowed to start reading my Bible every day, I had the time. I haven’t missed many days since. Missed days tend to be bad days so I remember to do it first thing.

Struggling to live in a nursing home I learned so much about God and his ways. I had a Chaplain that was on fire for the Lord, telling us all about Jesus changing her life and always doing things, miracles, for her like he was her best friend. I wanted more.

I started reading every book about God I could get my hands on. We would take trips to Savers and I would bye books for $2.00 and many. I had so many trials in my life but I wanted more of Him. After a perfectly tuff time where I had been in the hospital for a while and was unable to read my Bible I committed to praying every day to get more of God.

The more I got, the happier I felt, and the more I wanted. I would sit and listen to praise music out on the back patio where I was alone. I also prayed a lot and sang hymns out there. It felt good. I had no trouble doing this I just loved doing it.

That’s when I started going to the church. Man it felt so good and I was hooked.

Just to be around people who believed like me and loved me. Singing in church was so alive with passion. They talked about going to camp for a whole week. So I tried it. That was the closest I think you could get to heaven here on earth.

I mean here I am with only Christian brothers and sisters, in the mountains, for a whole week, doing and being with God 24/7. Awesome.

These things have made me so happy. I truly am happier than ever before in my life. Jesus now is my very best friend and some day I’ll go to be with him forever. But right now I just want to be in his presence.

The happiest place I’ve ever known.

Forever

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“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” Mark 13:7. NIV

We have been hearing these things for years, but the end is sooner than we think. It may be twenty more years or tomorrow. It will come though so where will you be? Where will you spend eternity? This life we live in is really very short. It all depends on how we live this life as to where we will end up.

“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35. NIV

“If you love me, keep my commands”. John 14: 15. NIV

It is easy to love God but not always easy to love others. It is not a request though. God has commanded us to love him as well as those who hate us. If we love Him, we will keep his commands. Boy we are extremely lucky we live in this day and age because back when Moses was in charge there were so many more commands to keep. You could hardly breathe without screwing up.

Now that Jesus has redeemed us it is so much easier, but our actions are so important. Imagine with me for a minute that the doctor just told you that you only have 24 hours left to live. How will you spend that next 24 hours? Where you will end up for eternity is in the balance.

We watched Scrooge for years turn from the Scrooge he was to the loving person he was meant to be. Yet we never really take it to heart. Every action we make has long lasting consequences. This life is but a blink of the eye compared to 10,000 years in eternity.

Back to my imagining. Would we not take seriously our actions for 24 hours? Do we obey his commandments or do we really need his forgiveness. All sin and all need forgiveness from those sins. One sin is not any worse or less than others. That little white lie is as bad as murder. Sin is sin.

Am I close enough to God. Is my relationship as good with him as I can make it. Many of these same questions would be going through your mind. We need to spend every day with him as if it will be our last, because it may. Nobody knows if they will wake up tomorrow or if we will be in a tragic accident.

We need to spend time with him every day. Get to know him just as a loving father and close friend. The more we know him, the author of love, the more we will be like him and be full of love. Love for him and all men. He will help us to love even the unlovely.

Then we can know for sure that we may close our eyes in this life, but when we open them again we will be in heaven. Spending forever in his presence. In that perfect place where no sorrow or pain exists. Only joy and peace forever.

His Family

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I have a beautiful Pandora bracelet that my daughters got me several years ago. I always have it on. Over the years I have added charms for all of my daughters, their husbands and their children. It means so very much to me.

Each charm is special. I have different color beads for some of my grandkids, each one represents someone very dear to me. I have a coffee cup from my youngest daughter because she knows how important my coffee is. The one for my middle son-in-law has turquoise. He is a native Arizonan like his parents and proud of it.

My daughter designs and makes jewelry. She made me a little replica of our towns courthouse. Each charm and each person has so much meaning to me when I look at them. I see family when I look at each charm.

God sees all his children in the same way. We are his pride and joy that he delights in. He sees us as very special and unique charms. No two alike. He can remember each one over thousands of years and all over the world.

Today he took one of his charms home to be with him as my roommate past from this life to the next and I had to smile for she waited so long for this day.

He smiles as he thinks about each. Some thoughts he has:

Angels rejoice over us, demons flee from us. James 4:7

God dances over us with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

We are the righteousness of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21

We have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

We were predestined by God for success. Romans 8:28-30

We are placed and seated with him, a king and priest, part of a chosen generation, a peculiar people. 1 Peter 2:9

We are blessed coming in and going out. Deuteronomy 28:13

We are equipped with the full armor of God. Ephesians 6:13

Just a few of the things he has said about his children. Rest in the confidence we have that he cares for us. We are all very greatly loved.

Blessings and Curses

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‘I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.’ Deuteronomy 30:15 NIV

God is a loving and just God. He has given us a choice. Blessings, great and awesome or curses, terrible bringing death. When God first made man he gave him knowledge to make up his own mind, His own free will to do whatever he chooses in life.

He wants very much for us to choose life and all the blessings that go along with it. He wants us happy but he loves us so much that he will not force anything on us. Not even good. I was reading in Deuteronomy the other day in chapter 28 and it just jumped off the pages at me.

Blessings and curses. He spelled it out so completely. Everything we need to do for a great blessed life and also everything to end up with death and curses. The choice is ours. The blessings part was fairly simple and straightforward, but on curses he went on and on.

With us always wanting to be sure we our getting our own way we have made a mess of our lives. We are also not very smart. We assume if He wants us to do something even if he lets us decide. There must be strings attached. Nothing could be that simple. Right!

Well after reading his words year after year I am convinced that he is good and really does want to see me happy. I have tasted and tried his ways and I have also lived through rebellion to his ways and I have seen how happy I can be doing life his way. When I did whatever I wanted I really screwed my life up. He still forgave me and let me start all over.

About five years ago I recommitted my life to him completely and have done everything for him I can. I can not describe the indescribable peace and joy I have felt in my life lately. I would not go back to my old ways for nothing. I don’t necessarily strive for myself but the blessings just keep coming.

He really does want to bless us. He is good, good, good. He is always at work night and day for my good. Watching out for me. He never rests. He will never leave me. When rough days come and they will. He will be right there holding my hand and helping me through them.

Blessings or curses? The choice is all up to you.

Believing

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It is important what you believe. We can not get to heaven by any other way than believing in Jesus Christ.

“Jesus answered, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” John 14:6. NIV

“ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in him should have everlasting life.” John 3:16. NIV

You can’t get to heaven by:

Being good

Going to church

Loving others

Giving money to the church

Parents who are Christians

These are some of the ways people believe they will get to heaven. They say that if they are good enough and don’t do too many bad things (sins) then God will let them in.

There will be no sin in heaven. God can not exist among sin. It tells us in the Bible that all man have sinned and no one is worthy to get in. So how can we get in.

By believing that God loved us so much that he was willing to give up his one and only perfect son to be brutalized to the point of death just so we could be with him throughout eternity.

He withstood all to take away all of the sins of this world with him to death so we could be righteous through him. As they whipped him time after time he thought of us. It was all worth it to be able to see us in heaven with him.

He took those sins to hell and came back to life again and it was finished. We can now be adopted into the great family of God as a joint heir with Jesus. Heaven is a perfect place where there is no sin, no pain, no trials. We will have perfect bodies and perfect minds.

We still sin but we now have the mind of Christ living inside us and with his help should try to live our lives for him. Trying to do the things he has asked us. Trying not to sin anymore.

People say they would rather be in hell with all their friends. Well I have news for you. Hell is a place of total isolation from everything. Total darkness where you can not see your hand in front of your face. Pain of burning to death but never being consumed continually forever.

I don’t know about you but that thought is something that makes me want to know for sure where I will end up. No maybes will do. I must know without a shadow of doubt that I will be let in.

I know for sure that my redeemer lives and when I close my eyes on this earth for the very last time that my future is certain. When I breath my last breath I will go to be with those brothers and sisters who have passed from this life before me. I know many who are already there and I can’t wait to see them again in that perfect place.

If you would like to know more you can comment to me and I will get back to you.

Don’t we all want to be in that perfect place together forever.

I AM His

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Last week I talked about how awesome and mighty our God is, and he. He is all that and more. He also wants to be our personal best friend. This same God who created everything that exists knows everything about me and loves me. Even though I’m far from perfect and I always put things off and tend to wander aimlessly. He wants a relationship with me of my own choice.

He knows all there is about me and why I am the way I am. He wants to make something beautiful with my life and to totally bless me. He knows what is best for each of us but do we want that too. He has told us what to do to have that life but are we willing to trust him?

If we read his word he has proved himself to be trustworthy and he has never lied or deceived. His words are the only ones worth trusting. But we doubt and waiver. Will he ask too much of us? He has promised to give us the strength we need to do all he asks us to do. He promises to never leave us or forsake us.

This seems like a win win situation. But we have learned to be cautious, maybe cautious to our own fault. We need faith, without it we will never please him. With it the sky is the limit he can take us to. Be prepared for great things if you choose to let him work in your life.

Not only is his spirit working to guide you he will work all for your good. He knows the plans he has for me and they are good. He has always got my back. I have the awesome mighty God on my side. What shall I fear. I should be excited to tell others this great news that I have learned.

The more I trust and see him do great things in my life the more excited I get. He can take little me and touch others in such an amazing way. I can be important in his plans. My life can matter when he gets ahold of it. I just keep asking for more of him.

Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled.

Give me more! Wouldn’t you like more, and to be blessed beyond your wildest dreams? Take the first step and he offers to meet you right where you are. Hold on!

Awesome Creator

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How can I begin to help you understand the complete awesomeness of our God? It is said that man just knew of a master designer by the world around us. Even those in far away remote tribes in the jungles of Africa knew of a power greater than ourselves out there that designed this planet.

Why it took so many years for some of our greatest thinkers and geniuses to come to a conclusion that we didn’t just evolve but that there was a master designer behind it all. Still today there are those who refute creation for evolution. They can not fathom something greater than themselves..

Talk about ego’s.. it is impossible for my brain to even comprehend anything coming from nothing.. I know that as many times as I have read through the Bible that I am biased,, but miraculous describes what I know. I am by no means a scholar or great thinker. Just look at the few facts we know.

There are billions of people on this planet, all different colors, races, sizes, languages, and no two exactly alike. With their own unique fingerprints. That’s just today, but also over thousands of generations. Not only humans but animals, fish, birds, creepy crawlers, and then there is plant life.

Deep breath, trees, grass, flowers, shrubs, environments of many kinds, different ecosystems, and so on and so on. I could go on for hours. There are even studies done on each of them. Mind blowing. I can’t help thinking about the one with wisdom to think it all up. Then to create it.

Just in one ecosystem there are different wind, rain, and temperature patterns that accommodate different plants, animals, and types of people. How many different ecosystems? I remember reading to my daughters when they were little about a little reddish frog somewhere in the jungle that was very poisonous if eaten. That is how it survived.

That story has always stayed with me. Showing me the uniqueness of all Gods creatures.. I’ve spent many nights watching animal shows about so many different animals and their own lives. Things different creatures can do and their behaviors.

Then start to think about our own creations made from just what was already on this planet from the beginning. How one mind thinks different ideas up. Someone came up with a little bean and now coffee is a billion dollar industry. I thank God every morning for that one. All we ever needed was already thought of and on this planet from the beginning.

There is so much beyond our atmosphere that we will never know but someone knows and thought it up for a reason. As a Christian I can’t help thinking about how he sees His creations, very good. Do you know that before any of us were ever born God in his infinite wisdom thought each of us up. He wrote a whole book on just one of us.

He designed me, who my parents would be, when and where I would be born. Who my husband would be and how we would meet. My daughters and their families and who I would become. The same is true for you. Isn’t our God awesome.