Today's Playlist 11-27

2:00 PM
"Ringing the Bells of Christmas" Michelle Pillar
"We Will Glorify" Twila Paris
"Mighty to Save" Laura Story - "Great God Who Saves"
"From the Rising" Shannon Wexelberg

2:15 A Quick Word ~ Beth Moore
"Go Tell It On the Mountain" Phillips, Craig & Dean
"How Great Thou Art" Passon Artist, Charlie Hall - "Hymns, Ancient & Modern"

2:30
(Secrets of the Secret Place, © 2001 by Bob Sorge. Published by Oasis House. Used by permission. All rights reserved)
"Treasure" Desperation Band - "From the Rooftops"
"Holy is the Lord" Chris Tomlin - "Arriving"

2:45 Seeking Him ~ Nancy Leigh DeMoss
"While You Were Sleeping" Casting Crowns - "Lifesong"
Selah Moment w/music by Dan & Sandy Adler - "Wind of the Spirit"
"Your Faithfulness" Brian Doerksen - "You Shine"
"You Are" Mark Roach

3:00 PM
"You Are Good" Point of Grace
"Zechariah's Song" Go Fish
"With His Love (Sing Holy)" David Phelps

3:15 Proverbs 31 ~ Renee Swope - "If Only You Knew"
"My Will" DC Talk - "Exodus"
"Call to Worship" Vicky Beeching - "Yesterday, Today and Forever"

3:30
"Bless the Lord" Laura Story - "Great God Who Saves"
"Glory to God in the Highest" Buddy Greene
"I Stand Amazed" Bart Millard - "Hymned Again"

3:45 Birthday and Anniversary Club
"God Almighty" Chris Tomlin - "Hello Love"

A Time of Loss

Such a Sadness

Recently our community has been saddened by the deaths of four people, all suddenly and all within a week. In a community of approximately 6,500, you realize that the loss of four people (who were a vital part of the community) is significant. There is a heavy sadness here today.

Most people--if in our thirties upward--are usually jogged when the loss takes a woman in her early forties, and a woman and man in there fifties and a sixty year old man suddenly. We are shocked and suddenly drawn to ponder the shortness or brevity of life. That probably is not such a bad thing to do once in a while but it is difficult coming on the heels of four deaths in a row.

The first death was extremely sudden and the gentleman was a custodian in our schools. A good man and loved by the kids and staff as well. He leaves a wife and several children. His funeral was even at the High School where he spent so much of his time. My daughter went to school with his son and stepdaughter and she even made it home to attend his funeral.

While preparing to come home for that funeral, my daughter also got word of the death of one of her best friend’s sister. She had been hospitalized suddenly a few weeks prior and given a short time to live. Friends, she was only forty-two, a wife and mother of two young men! My daughter being so concerned for her dear friend was beside herself. Needless to say she planned to return home once again to attend another funeral. This one was a bit more personal because she had known the family since a young age.

The man in his sixties was unknown to me but many others knew him. I don’t really know anything about him but I believe that sixty is just too young! I have a friend whose husband was impacted by his death because they graduated together. How hard it is when we begin to see people our own age start to die.

Finally, I want to mention the life of a vivacious woman who I had the privilege of knowing (as many others did) because she was dedicated to helping people achieve their college degrees. Several years prior she was dealt the blow of cancer and survived only to have it return again recently to take her. She leaves a husband and daughter and many people who loved her for her kindness and fun personality, but mostly, I believe, because she seemed to be so genuine and care. Her life has had an impact on many because of the job she held at our community college.

Death is an interesting process that we all have to go through as the life process completes. It will come to all of us! It will have an affect on the people in our sphere of influence and most probably on our families. To those in the process of grieving the loss of someone (especially if the death seems untimely) it is just a very difficult process to have to go through and live out. We miss those who are taken at such a young age and unexpectedly. We wonder about all the “what if’s” and what could have been done differently, and all the things we should have said to that one who leaves us so suddenly. Chances are good that for a time we will change the way we look at life as we see it just a bit shorter than we did previously.

I recently had my own epiphany regarding life and its brevity. My belief in Jesus Christ has given me a new outlook on life and one thing I know is that it is the Lord who gives and takes away. His hand is providential and He guides us along the way. Yes, things like cancer and poor health can come along and zap us but the Lord permits all things to happen to His children. Not one thing happens that isn’t run through His loving hand and that He isn’t aware of or going through with us.

In the third chapter of Ecclesiastes we read from the pen of King Solomon (the wisest of men) that there is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven—

A time to be born, And a time to die;

A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill, And a time to heal;

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn, And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain, And a time to lose;

A time to keep, And a time to throw away;

A time to tear, And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence, And a time to speak;

A time to love, And a time to hate;

A time of war, And a time of peace. (:2-8 NKJ)

How is your life today? Like me you might choose to run about--especially now that we are entering the harried holiday season with so much to do—without much thought about tomorrow. But let me encourage you to look out beyond yourself today. If we could just make a difference for one person each day we have on the face of this earth, why we will make a significant difference and we will be remembered by how we loved God and loved each other! I continue to say that I want to finish this earthly race strong. Whether in sickness or in health I can make a difference within my sphere of influence.

Friend, how about you? How is your heart today? Will you look beyond yourself and see others the way God sees them?

Father, show me who it is today that needs an extra touch of kindness. Let me be the one who will do something kind for someone who needs that little extra help today. Use my words of encouragement to help that one struggling to go another day! Let me bring words of hope that will make a difference, in Jesus Name, amen.

Out of Your Element

Ever Feel Out of Your Element?

Our fall has been very unusual. I would like to believe God was being kind to us giving us a lovely September. Our summer in northern Minnesota was just not as it should have been. As September came to a close our delayed, cool and rainy fall weather, quite suddenly

made its appearance. We experienced high temperatures in the 50’s and the lows in the lower and mid 20’s. We were suddenly smacked with degrees that were well below the normal fo

r the time of the year. A portion of the fall foliage began to drain of its green color but curiously enough, many leaves began to fall even before they had completely turned to their fall color.

Typically, my back woods--where I walk Elsa--is by now covered with a golden carpet of the

fallen poplar leaves. They often hang bright gold on the trees until the autumn winds blow them off. Reminding me of when I lived in the mountains in New Mexico. The huge poplar leaves would glisten and shake in the wind like huge golden coins against the almost white bark of the trees. A most beautiful sight!

All of this to say, that as I was walking my Elsa one morning, as I came up from the small ravine and walked past a larger ‘swamp’ spruce tree, something caught my attention. Stepping backward and looking down I see this tiny, stunted white ox eyed daisy in full bloom, all

surrounded by these half turned, greenish and gold poplar leaves. How odd, for all of the other fall flowers were not only frozen, but drying up and have gone to seed weeks ago. But here is this determined little flower in full bloom and looking so out of its element. The freezing morning temperatures have not deterred this little flower a bit as it is determined to carry out its cycle here on our little “forty” no matter what. It is rather stunted at only about one quarter of its normally intended size and not quite as stunning as the summer daisies, but in full-bloom nonetheless.

This has caused me to think of the many times that I have felt quite a bit like that little flower, blooming out of my element! Could this be what Paul is referring to when he says that God uses the foolish thin

gs of this earth to confound the wise?

1 Corinthians 1:27 (NLT)

"Instead, God deliberately chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose those who are powerless to shame those who are powerful."

When things do not make sense, it could be from a business venture, a ministry you have been called to or just when God calls you to do something that is totally uncomfortable because you have never attempted it before, yet it flourishes. How can that be? You might not have a clue where to start.

I remember the day I was asked to pray about working at KBHW Radio. I walked into main control and saw all of that ‘stuff’, reels, buttons, knobs and such and I said there is no way that I could ever be capable of doing what would be required to operate this radio signal. But, I did agree to pray about it. Well, here I am almost 20 years later more involved with radio than ever before.

In these difficult days we are all facing, I want to encourage you to keep on keeping on! It could be that you feel somewhat stunted in your efforts, or you have been set back because of circumstance. If you are operating in God’s will, (and we know when we are) He will expect us to prevail to accomplish the purpose to which He has called us. I really try to live by these two verses in Philippians 3:

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Do not let the temperature prevent you from flourishing. Winters come and it can get pretty cold out there. Bundle up and bloom for someone needs to see what God is up to in your life. It may seem foolish to some but when God is at the helm, you are living out the calling He has placed upon you, not for your sake but for His!

Fear or Faith?

Are You Walking in Fear or Faith?

Just what is your motivator? There is something within each one of us that keeps us going, keeps us taking one step forward and another step after that one. I am speaking specifically of our Christian journey here on this terrestrial ball. Our walk is something we either just do without much thought given to it or it is proactive and spurned onward from the motivation of either fear or faith.

The basics are the daily routine we find ourselves in with its nuts and bolts of dealing with everyday life. Our family, job and those unexpected interruptions (negative or positive) that we may just cruise through. But that can be so mundane. I don’t know about you but I want more! I want more of God, His power, love, experience and His blessings to accompany me while on the journey.

I like this verse in Proverbs 16:9 “The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” Oh how we can get in the way of His will for our lives! You see, it could be that He has planted something within you that could potentially rock your world and raise the bar of excitement and fulfillment as you walk out His plan for you. Then along comes an anchor of doubt that will try to rob you of the joy of the journey.

I am so afraid that…
It scares me to even think of going there…
But what if I fail and can’t do it…
What will people say if I do that…

It seems to me that more often than not, we move forward dragging an anchor of fear instead of allowing faith to ignite our passion and propel us forward into that to which God has called us. We shrink back in fear and stay quite comfortable in our complacency! I know, I have done it myself and then I look back and wonder what could have been had I gone forward with that certain dream or vision.

God’s word tells us that “…without FAITH it is impossible to please God”. Yet time and time again I make the choice to opt out because of the risks involved. I truly believe that we know when the Lord confirms in our heart a particular direction to take and how sad it is when the excuses come and we do not proceed. We miss out on the blessings and possibly the blessings intended for others by playing it safe.

We all (Christian or non) go about our day with a certain measure of certainty that as we enter our cars to go where needed that the vehicle will get us to our destination, I am not talking about that kind of faith. What I am addressing is the kind found in Hebrews 11:1:

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Could it be that God has laid something on your heart that seems a bit out of the box for you to undertake? Has he called you to a mission trip or to lead a small group, sing in the choir, start a new business venture or home school your children? These all have the potential to make some of us shake in our boots don’t they! But if you want to walk in obedience you need to get out of your comfort zone and act upon that calling. Even if you cannot see the finished product or end of the journey! He just calls us to action, to put one foot in front of the other as we lean into Him for direction!

God has given me some dreams and confirmed some things that seemed rather ‘scary’ for me to undertake. Like being willing to share my story and love for Him with others whether it is in written form, at a speaking engagement or on the air. Lately He confirmed in me to write my story out and immediately my thoughts were who cares about my story? That is a lot of time and energy expended for something nobody would be interested in reading. But after the confirmation was settled in me I knew that I was not to worry about who or if anyone would read it, I was just to begin the process of writing my life story. God knows what will happen with it and I am to act, not shrink back and decline His request. My part is to trust in what Hebrews 11:1 tells me, even if I can’t see or visualize the outcome.

Are you one of those folks who needs to have your “ducks in a row” before you proceed? Some would argue that you would be taking precautions and securing your venture before moving forward. Please, I am not talking about being foolish throwing caution to the wind. I am talking about the calling upon you that keeps nagging at the back of your mind and you can’t seem to let it go. Then someone says something or a thing happens that really just settles in your mind that yes, you are to move forward. Your next step is to put one foot in front of the next even if you cannot see exactly where you are headed.

Thinking back to when I was first asked if I would be interested in working part-time at the Christian radio station, I walked into the control room and looked at all the stuff (equipment) on the walls and said uh, I don’t think so! I wasn’t trained in radio. I didn’t have a clue regarding electronic stuff and there were eight knobs on that control board that completely ‘scared me’ to think of having to operate. I agreed to pray about it and willingly said, “God, if You want me to do this then I trust You will guide me through the process of learning how.” I didn’t go off to broadcasting school or take a class in electronics but I did willingly say yes. Just about 20 years later I am still in radio and some amazing doors of opportunity have opened as a result of saying yes to God.

Now, what about you? Let me encourage you not to miss out on the blessing of walking in obedience and allowing God to use You for His glory. Think of it as sowing into God’s kingdom.

Father, I am so excited to be serving You in several of the ways that You have called me to serve. I am even pumped to see what You have in store for the next 20 years. I ask that You would keep me from complacency and the fleshly desire to take the easy way out instead of trusting You to lead me into Your way of everlasting! Everlasting joy and fulfillment knowing that I am in Your will, being used by You to introduce You to those who don’t know who You are and encouraging those who know You to walk in the abundant life You have for them. Let me keep pressing on till Jesus returns, in Your name, Amen.

Called to Make a Difference

You’ve Been Supernaturally Planted

I live in International Falls, MN. People have said to me “why would you want to live in that ‘God forsaken’ part of the world? After all, our slogan is the “Ice Box of the Nation.” Can you imagine being in one of the coldest parts of the lower 48? Funny thing is I love to tell people when they ask that I love where I have been planted! One year when the Weather Channel was here reporting on our Ice Box Days festivities (the Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, etc.) one of the camera men caught me going in to our early church service (yes, before 8:00 AM in January) and briefly asked me how I liked being out on such cold mornings to go to church. I can't remember how cold it was but enough that most folks would shudder at the temperature. I said something to the effect that I loved it and that we are a hearty group of people up here because we endure the cold even to go to church on an early Sunday morning. How funny when I got a call from a lady that was originally from here (but now residing in the warm and sunny Florida Keys) who said she saw me on television at church! Although, I can honestly share with you that I did not always have that positive of an attitude. Having been here now for 36 years there have been a wide range of emotions affiliated with the reality that this is home. Some are great, but the reality of my children and their children leaving the area makes it not so great. In some ways it is the end of the world (well the United States that is) as Canada is right across the bordering Rainy River.

My first twenty years of life were filled with many short-lived stops along the way and no, I was definitely not a military brat. From being born in Connecticut, to Columbus, Ohio, (living in various apartments for my first ten years of life) then New York City (Manhattan Island) for four years. It was then…four more years of bopping around the country which brought me up to Minnesota. Yes, Minnesota. When I am asked how I ended up here I always say that it is just too long a story to go into! Ultimately, I have come to know without a shadow of a doubt that it was the providential hand of God that brought me here. After all, I met God in the "Ice Box of the Nation"! And I have grown quite partial to my little neck of the woods (literally speaking.) Funny thing is there sure are a lot of people I know who would rather not be here. It is usually weather related—too cold, too rainy, to smelly, etc. Yes, it is frustrating at times that you have to drive for almost two hours (four hours of drive time round trip) to find something more than a Kmart to do your shopping and spring may come early but count on at least one snow shower in May!

What I would like you to know is that even with its lack of amenities, God has given me an incredible love for where I live, my community and the people who live here. Think about this. I'm sure you find it so easy and comfortable to pray for friends and loved ones. Now, let me stretch you a bit. Can you honestly pray for a place you do not love? Or how about a place you hate or feel trapped in? Maybe, you do not like the politics in your community or it seems like the area is drying up. We certainly have justification to give up, do we not? But why not do the uncomfortable thing by stepping out and praying for everything that is 'wrong' with where you live? You know that it probably will not warm up if it is the weather you dislike or there may never be a “Target” (or whatever your favorite place to shop is) in the area. But, God can help you focus less on how cold it is which might divert your attention (so to speak) when you pray and ask God for His kingdom to come and His will to be done in your area as it is in heaven!

This is a fun way of looking at Matthew 5:14 from the Message:

"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.”

The Irish Worship group BlueTree says it well in this music video, God of This City. You see, we--because we know Jesus as Lord and Savior--have been called out of the darkness and been brought into God’s marvelous light, through Jesus Christ and His shed blood for you and me.

Here is what it says about who we are as God's chosen people:

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."

Friend, there is a city, town or community that needs the reality and saving knowledge of Christ. We are the brightly shining light God is using to expose the darkness and introduce to the Savior, those who are in need.

If you feel as though you live in a “God forsaken” environment, I would like to challenge you to start to pray—to pray for God’s visitation in your area. If love is what stops you, why don’t you ask God to give you a love for or deepen your love for your area and its people. A great place to start is with prayer walking. Do you frequently walk? Maybe for your daily exercise routine you are out and about your neighborhood hoofing it up and down streets, roads, etc. Try praying for various families you might walk by on your daily regimen. You might even be able to have access to a map of your community and you could even start to log the areas you have extended ‘prayer covering’ over.. As you are walking, ask the Lord to burden your heart for the people in the coverage area you take in. You might walk by someone’s home that you do not particularly care for or feel that they do not care for you. Well, ask the Lord for an open heart toward that one, that family or business and I guarantee that you are going to change. Something is going to well up within you and you are going to develop a love for your community because you have started to pray for the life blood of your area, its people.

Is your area suffering from this economic downturn? If possible get to your down town business area and start praying for the Lord’s blessings and prosperity over the businesses in your community. I like to include in my prayer time the words Jesus used in teaching us how to pray, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven. Praying God’s will on Earth as it is in Heaven is a powerful prayer and that is what we need to be about doing! Maybe where you have been planted is specifically for this very time. You have been called to pray and walk on the hardened ground of unbelief, pride and independence. You will be amazed how your heart will turn as you exercise the loving act of prayer for your location. Do not give up! You will begin to see how God is always up to something, and it is always good!

Lord, thank you for teaching me how to pray for the area I live in and giving me hope to see that You care very much for this place. If you desire that no man should perish then how can I believe the lie that I live in a God-forsaken area? I am asking you to break my heart with the things that break Yours. Let me see the people, places and businesses with Your eyes because there is always hope there. It is pretty exciting to see things begin to change when we expend time and energy praying for our communities. And don't let me stop there. Continue to burden me with prayer for my state, country and beyond and thank You for the change that can happen when we just pray in Your name!

You Changed Your Name!

What's in a Name?

Now that I have changed my name to Kimberly Dawn, I am forever being asked why. I thought of how we can spend hours deciding what to name our children, our pets and whatever else that we care about, even our car. We pour over the meanings especially when we name our children. We want them to have a name that has a really cool meaning or sometimes we just like the sound of it, or the name is elegant and dignified.

My little mother (she is only five feet tall to my five foot eight) reminds me frequently of how she picked my name. My given name is Kimberly. Apparently my father was not too convinced, but mom hung in there. Being a bit of a trend setter in her day, she always did things a bit out of the ordinary. I would call her creative. I am not so sure that I understand being named after a diamond mine in South Africa but...far be it from me to argue with the one who fought hard to give me that name. (After all, it is better than Kimberly Clark, the Kleenex manufacturer.)

At fourteen years of age, I ran away from home for the second and final time. I needed an alias to go by, so I gave myself the name of Dawn. I liked it because of the beautiful morning sky. Since then I have used Dawn as my first name. When finally reunited with my mom after three years, my mother was not very happy to find out that I had changed my name but had to resign herself to the fact I was now Dawn. I have a couple of those Biblical name cards and the one for Dawn says "The Break of Day" and has the Scripture from Psalm 18:2 "The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer." (which I love.) Mom, on the other hand, loved to tell people (when I would introduce her), "Her real name is Kimberly!" That really used to bug me something fierce.

Well, my mom is not a believer in Jesus Christ and as I have watched her climb into her upper 70's and begin to struggle with her health, I asked the Lord to show me what part I could play in her coming to Christ. After all, I pray diligently for her salvation. The Lord spoke to my heart a couple of years back and said to just love, serve and bless her. Okay, Lord, show me how because You know how strong willed and independent this little woman is. Unfortunately, as she is aging she is also losing her vision from macular degeneration and because of that she has been forced to give up much of her independence. For those of you who know what I'm talking about, that can be very trying for the one going through it! She also has some internal issues that are a bit humiliating for her to have to contend with. Hey, life can get difficult as we age!

Two summers ago (mom stays with us in the summer months when she is feeling well enough), the first day she was here she injured her leg exercising her "I don't need any help" attitude. She fell off a counter and gouged her leg up terribly and we ended up in the ER. This became a very unique opportunity for me to do 'hands on' care for 'Miss Independent'. I had to change her dressing twice a day throughout most of the summer. It took four months for this wound to heal! But, in the process, I was able to care for her tenderly with that thing we all love and that is human touch. At one point I even asked her if I could anoint her with oil and pray for her healing and amazingly she said yes! When I was done, she had tears in her eyes and could not explain why. God is indeed up to something, don't you think?

Last fall, my radio program was going into its fifth year and it is kind of fun to do something new now and again to keep things fresh. Well, I asked the guys what they would think if I changed my on air name to Kimberly Dawn. It was such a God thing that I would even go there. They liked the newness of it and said go for it. This was a real blessing to my mom and she periodically asks if I am still going by that name and I am always so pleased to tell her "Of course!" The funny thing is that I am actually enjoying being called by that name, as well, although I do not expect those that only know me as Dawn to change how they address me unless they want to. A little side note - my boss and former boss always teased me by calling me Kimberly Dawn now and again. Here is what Kimberly means - "From the Royal Meadow." Nice, huh? And the Scripture is also delightful from Psalm 119:73 (NASB) "Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments." I just know this is softening my mom's heart and I am believing that God is making a way into her heart where there seems to be no way!

Please pray with me that God will continue to show me ways that I can be Jesus to her and that she will come to know the One Who will never leave her or forsake her and Who will love her with His everlasting love. I am believing the Holy Spirit is wooing her and that it will not be long now for her to take her rightful place in God's Kingdom. And I thank God for bringing me to a place where I would want to be obedient even to the point of going back to a name I did not care for!

National Day of Prayer ~ May 7, 2009

On this 58th Annual Observance of National Day of Prayer, be reminded as we observe and pray for this nation what our 16th president had to say,

By the President of the United States of America. (this was taken from Dutch Sheet's website at dutchsheets.org)

A Proclamation.

Whereas, the Senate of the United States, devoutly recognizing the Supreme Authority and just Government of Almighty God, in all the affairs of men and of nations, has, by a resolution, requested the President to designate and set apart a day for National prayer and humiliation.

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

Now, therefore, in compliance with the request, and fully concurring in the views of the Senate, I do, by this my proclamation, designate and set apart Thursday, the 30th. day of April, 1863, as a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer. And I do hereby request all the People to abstain, on that day, from their ordinary secular pursuits, and to unite, at their several places of public worship and their respective homes, in keeping the day holy to the Lord, and devoted to the humble discharge of the religious duties proper to that solemn occasion.

All this being done, in sincerity and truth, let us then rest humbly in the hope authorized by the Divine teachings, that the united cry of the Nation will be heard on high, and answered with blessings, no less than the pardon of our national sins, and the restoration of our now divided and suffering Country, to its former happy condition of unity and peace.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this thirtieth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty seventh.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

Can we still say we are a Christian nation? It could be that we need to repent of our "independence" and admit our need of the Almighty God before we drift into an abyss of darkness upon going our own way. As it says in Isaiah 53:6 (NASB) (an inditement that we have always drifted from the truth) "all of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way..." But because of the incredible love of the Father for His wayward children, desirous that no man should parish, "...But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him." Father protect us from our own wayward desires for apart from you we can do nothing!

God gives a distinct warning to Solomon as he finished the house of the Lord just as God had instructed him to do (Solomon's palace as well), he then visits Solomon in the night with a specific warning and proclamation:

II Chronicles 7:13-15 (NASB)

"If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people.
And My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place."

We love our freedom and the country that provides for that freedom of expression to be lived out but our obligation as His redeemed is to remain faithful and true to the One who gave it to us.

Pressing on toward the goal!

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart

I did something I have since regretted--I had acrylic nails put on. I have always wanted to have nice nails but the reality is I do not. They are weak, brittle and I absolutely hate to wear rubber gloves when doing dishes.

Back in November I needed to have some professional pictures taken and this gave me a good excuse to get acrylics. Now I don't just mean the 'Lee Press Ons', no, these are the 'spendy' ones. Wow, they are great and oh, they look so nice. Finally, I have these lovely nails and they are amazingly durable too. I only had to tend to them once a week, usually on a Saturday night before bed. I was quite surprised at how long they lasted too. Now to justify the cost I gave up my weekly white chocolate mocha coffee treat for the next couple of months. There is some maintenance that is required to keep the nails looking really great but that would cost another month or so of my coffee treats so I opted to file them down myself and then just paint them.

As it goes with time, they were filed down to the point where they could be gently picked off and I was horrified at what I found underneath the exterior. My poor nail base was not only paper thin but shredded to bits and they looked horrible. What a sad discovery that I may have ruined my real nails for a fleeting couple of months with acrylics.

Ah, lessons for life, you gotta love it!

To what extent do we go about attempting to make ourselves look great on the outside? After all there are tons of beauty magazines filled with all the details on what it takes for us to 'look great' and after all, isn't this is how the world tends to measure our success. Yet when I think of the time, energy and money it takes to look great on the outside I wonder what we have neglected or covered up on the inside? It is possible that masked by the lovely exterior is bitterness, resentment, jealousy and or unforgiveness? It could also be just the lack of growing in our spiritual maturity, still needing the milk like an infant.

This reminds me of the Pharisees who were so adapt at looking great on the outside but their insides proved their hypocrisy. They wore their lovely robes, prayer shawls and their phylacteries, while saying all their prayers on the street corners. Looking great on the outside but listen to these strong words from Jesus in Matthew 23

Six times Jesus begins by saying "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites..."

• ...you shut off the kingdom of heaven from men; for you do not enter in yourselves...
• ...you devour widows' houses, even while for a pretense you make long prayers;
• ...have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness;
• ...you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.
• ...you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

These are such strong words regarding those who looked so holy on the outside but were full of evil on the inside. They refused to tend to the things on the inside while they looked 'right' on the exterior.

Now don't get me wrong. There really is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself and looking a great as you can provided you are not neglecting taking care of the stuff on the inside.
David said in Psalm 139:23,24:

"Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
and see if there be any hurtful way in me,
and lead me in the everlasting way."

I sure love David's willingness to make himself vulnerable and open before God, asking Him to point out the crud that was sticking to his ribs. (A thought came to me that maybe plaque is all the crud that we refuse to deal with. Just a thought!) His desire was for God to lead and direct him. He certainly made many mistakes but his heart was such that he seemed to be teachable.

There are so many things that take up our time and keep us just too busy to clean the inside of the house or tent as Paul referred to it. I do believe that we need to inventory on a regular basis to assure that we have properly dealt with the things that build up the plaque. And it does take a certain amount of quality time to do so. So as an exercise, see how much time you spend on your exterior, the things that help you look your best. (Please, I am in no way suggesting that we would do otherwise.) We of course know that God wants great representation. Is that which is on the inside a balanced representation for our exterior? I believe that is what God desires. If we don't live it, then what is reflected means nothing. I don't know about you but I sure desire to have a balanced life that reflects an interior filled with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Abba Father, I am so humbled to be Your work in progress. This growing into maturity takes time and can be difficult. I want David's heart that because he was willing to be exposed out of his love for You. It is not pleasant to see the plaque that is within but thank You for helping me to deal with whatever crud is in there and keeps me from reflecting You. It is Your kindness that leads me to repentance and Your Holy Spirit that teaches me along the way. Keep me teachable and growing in Your way of everlasting. Amen.

Was Paul an Athlete?

Was Paul an athlete?

Who’s to know if Paul was an athlete or a wanna be or was he an observer to the Roman Olympics? When you read the descriptions of this man we don’t really find our mind wandering to pictures of a buff, athletic form of a man. On the contrary, we read stuff like that he was a tent maker (Acts 18:3). So he sat and sewed tents and people who sit a lot...well you get my drift. No real physical prep going on here. He was raised at the feet of the famous Jewish teacher, Gamaliel which meant hours of pouring over the Pentateuch, learning all of the Scriptures. Paul was particularly known for his knowledge and obedience of the Mosaic law. I see a picture of a man who did much reading and reciting. Now you can recite on the run but...highly improbable in his day and no ipods and such with the recorded Word drumming in his ear either. In 1 Corinthians 2:1,3 we see mentioned that Paul's inadequacies include not being an excellent orator and being weakened in his flesh. So how interesting it is that he draws a spiritual picture of the life of faith as one of a physical race we run even to the extent of competing!

Let's look at a few verses from 1 Corinthians 9

"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize?" :24

The exhortation is to run in such a way as you would as if you were in a competition. He has compared this journey to a marathon! Life can surely be a long one at that. Then he continues on to tell us that we have to exercise self-control throughout this marathon.

"Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable." :25

Wow, now he is really hitting home. Oh how I struggle with the speaking before thinking it through thing. Or the doing before praying thing. Lord, this is the hard part and yet I know that this is where the Lord completely shows me that I can save many steps by checking in with Him first! Okay, I am seeing the picture here. Now on to the prize thing. We are not running this race to add a trophy or another trophy to our display case. No, this one is a forever, in full living color kind of a trophy that is too big for my little pea-sized brain to imagine. For an eternity with my Father is just too big to put to words, but this is it, this is the goal. And I just can't afford to get sidetracked with the minuscule issues of life that the enemy of my soul uses to pull me off course. You know, sidetracked by disappointments (in myself or others), relationship issues or every little stinky thing that comes along to persuade me to stop for just a while till I get this thing ironed out. (That one just cost me three miles!)

Now Paul gets into the ring and he really puts purpose to each swing, jab and punch:

"I run is such a way as not without aim, I box in such a way as not beating the air;" :26

So I can then ask myself, why am I doing this anyway? What is it all about that I should go through all the rigorous training, denying and pushing myself beyond my capabilities anyway? Have I really got the end in mind? This is a good time to reflect and make sure I fully comprehend what it is all about. And is it really all about me and my goals anyway? Or is there a bigger picture here than me getting to the finish line. I think we all would adamantly agree that it is! I was brought to the Scripture in 2 Peter 3:9 that tells us that God desires that no man would perish and that all would come to repentance. I know that I repeat this a lot but here we go again. We get saved and on our way but then it is about those out there who also need to know the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ before it is too late. The hurting out there need to know that there is a God who is big enough to heal their pain and wipe their tears and bring peace to their calamity. To bring salvation to their souls!

So here we go with the last verse that is going to really drive it home as I wrap my brain around the fact that Paul was a spiritual athlete!

"but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." :27

True confession time. I have failed miserably at times when it comes to doing the right thing. Whether it is with denying my appetite or exercise I am not a very disciplined person. I want to be but...being human and on this side of glory I will be prone to make many mistakes. I am however a bit better than I was if that counts for anything. But this is the verse that really bites. "...so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified." Ouch! In consideration of being a Christian life coach, you know, you attempt to tell others how to walk the walk and then you model the way (the gift of exhortation) my fear is in failing to be the example. However, there is a viable solution to "down time". We do not have to be caught in the devils snare dwelling on thoughts that tell us that we will never be good enough to serve the King because we keep messing up!

Bob Carlisle sings a song called "We Fall Down" that really brings this struggle to light. I hope you will take the opportunity to listen at the link here and let me know how you receive what he sings. Friends, we are going to stumble and it may throw us off course for a time (hopefully not too long) but the thing is we must get back up and continue on pursuing the race set before us. My life verse really solidifies the entire message here. I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do, forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead; I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13,14 And that's it. I am not disqualified if I press on. When I see the winners of those marathon races as they hit the finish ribbons, they ain't very pretty and they look like they are in mega pain to boot but they made it. I too will get weary and worn but...it is going to be well worth it at the end when I hear my Abba say "Well done!"

Friend, whatever you do, don't loose heart. Let's keep pressing on, you see over there, up ahead, we are getting closer!

Father, I see that it is all for You that I am even alive. Thank you for loving me and making a way for me to be reconcile to You through Your Son, Jesus. I just ask that You help me up when I stumble and my knees are pretty scuffed up from tripping but I will not give up. You have called me to dance for You and I am going to give You my best. Use me Lord as You see fit for I am excited to see that the fields are white unto harvest and that Your return is very soon!

I Need an Attitude Adjustment!

So here we are anticipating the delightful days ahead, we call them “spring”. Days filled with warm sunshine we can bask in and gentle breezes that caress our faces after the long winter months. Growing things begin to look a bit as if they really do have some life to them and even the air takes on a rather fresh smell. We will soon see hints of green and if you are like me a crocus may even begin to work its way out of the remaining snow to show its lovely head of purple or gold. Because temperatures are beginning to stay above the freezing mark most of the night. Ah yes, spring…

Well, just in case you don’t live in northern Minnesota, let me tell you what spring looks like here. For one thing we are under a winter weather advisory and expecting 2-5 inches of snow. Now that may or may not happen depending upon the jet stream, but we are getting flurries as I write this! My lovely winter play land is now melting into water covered snow and the little ravine in the back is now a swirling running creek that is too high to walk over (even covering the nice little bridges that my husband built to get us to the back of the property.) My poor puppy has no where to romp at present writing. All of the walking paths that we made for the winter are for the most part now 8-10 inches of water. I only own a pair of ankle high rubber boots to wear and that just won’t cut it at this point.

I haven’t even begun to talk about the mud, and have I told you how much I hate mud? (strong language I know, but expressing my feelings to a tee) This more than anything is my contention of with spring. Mud everywhere, in my car, in the garage, on my deck, in my mud room! And every where I walk—until the frost leaves the ground—there is mud. Do you think I need an attitude adjustment? I know I do but how in the world do I get it? Shall I just begin to speak to my self and say its okay and it will soon dry up and yada…yada…yada? No, it will be here for another month or longer. Help me! Don’t think you can talk me out of it either.

For my sanity sake I need to reconcile this very bad attitude and turn it into some sort of appreciation for what I have and where I live. It’s because I’m an outdoor kind of girl that it is just so hard to have no where to walk around and enjoy God’s creation without hip waders. Help me Lord! I know that God created all things and to every thing there is a purpose but…

I just have to go to Paul’s words regarding contentment in Philippians 4:11-12:

“Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content (the Amplified adds satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.”

Paul, didn’t have to necessarily deal with mud and excess water but he did have to contend with beatings, shipwreck and imprisonment. So what in the world am I complaining about? Because I don’t want to wash my floor every day, or wash the puppy’s paws off and dry her every time she goes out for a walk, or look outside to a very dreary, dirty environment? Honestly, bring on the attitude adjustment!

So how can I get back some joy and do the things I mentioned above with out grumbling to myself or out loud? I may have mentioned that my husband just says when he hears me, girl, just get over it. Much easier said than done but…let me continue with the very next verse of Paul’s, verse 13:

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

And in the Amplified it reads:

“I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].”

In Christ Jesus, I have been infused with his strength, I can do anything! And that means even see my circumstances around me in a much brighter light. Okay, so the sun is shining today and that indeed helps things. And it is colder so all the water has tightened up somewhat. But the bottom line is I have the ability to change my attitude which will ultimately change my circumstance simply because of Christ who lives in me.

Some of you may be thinking boy, if that is all she has to worry and complain about she should know what I am going through. Oh friend, I hear exactly what you are saying. I am not currently dealing with a life and death emergency or trauma type of situation but I can tell you that there will come a time when I will and I certainly have had to deal with some of these things in the past. Let me just say that the Scripture above is sufficient for any and ALL circumstances that we could ever imagine to suggest. And if we chose not to believe that then we all need that attitude adjustment!

Father God, You know then I get myself in that funk, my own self-created pity party where I think I just want to camp on being miserable. When I do, I am settling for so much less than you desire for me. I know that dire circumstances have and will come into my life. There may be a season of distress over these times but I cannot allow myself to fall into the pit of despair and act as if You are not already there to show me the way out. You are and each time this happens I have an opportunity to grow my faith a little bit more. For when my faith grows I am able to see things through a different lens. Somewhat the way You do. I know that for a season I will have to endure probable difficulties but that You won’t let them, consume me. Today I chose to quietly wash my floor and dry off the pup’s paws four or more times and know that the dryer days of summer are not that far off. It isn’t easy Pappa, but I am going to lean into Your promises and be content in every circumstance that I encounter. Thank you for Your patience and understanding of this—sometimes—very whiny daughter of Yours.

And When I Am Old...

Sudden realities are interesting to say the least. I'm certain that I'm not the only one who reflects and then wonders what's next on the journey of life. But what I didn't expect in my speculating was a reversal of the norm, because even today at my age I often wonder what I'm going to do when I grow up. No, I took a very new and different road this time. One I had never been on before. I had an epiphany and a reality check regarding my possible time left on this earth as we know it today.

Far be it from me to be concerned or fearful of aging and growing old. After all, many things are so much better with age, cheese, wine, and what about those things we call classics? Worth a bundle today! And look what the Word has to say about growing old, I've read those verses and think someday, I will be wise and have beautiful snow white hair, like it says in Proverbs 16:31,

"A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness."

Well my pondering was a mixed bag of coulda, woulda, shoulda's and now, what remains? I don't mean to say that I was crying the blues and feeling all was lost but...there was definitely a cap on what was once the sky's the limit. Do you know where I'm going here? Some of you will of course identify immediately--because you have experienced what I am referring to--but some of you are going to think, what in the world is she talking about! It is for you that I will explain. For the first time I pondered what the finish line was going to look like. And the reality that oh my, there really isn't a whole lot of time left and how can I now make the time that is left really count for Christ's sake? Remember the time when you thought that 25 or 30 years was a really long time? Not anymore. I think that mean that I have crossed over.

I remember hearing someone on the news recently mention how Ann Graham Lotz, the famous preacher's daughter, say that should she live out a normal life (she is now 60) that she expects to see the return of Jesus Christ. Wow, what a statement to make. And many are talking about the end times as well. This is quite remarkable, even as we see the face of America "change" (I think that has been the new president's mantra) it certainly seems as though we are witnessing first hand the set up for the final round. After all, look what it says in Matthew 24:6:

"You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars.
See that you are not frightened, for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end."

Don't you appreciate the part of the verse that says to see that we are not frightened? It indeed isn't the end but I think we are on the precipice, now able to begin to peak over the top and view the valley of what's ahead.

So all this to say to those of you who still think that 20 to 30 years is forever a long ways off, for now it is. But let me add that even so, Christ could return at any time now. And that being said, have we really given our all for Him? Have we taken up the commission to follow after Him and to be the salt and light around us? Maximizing the opportunities that He sends our way? Or do we just look at what we have and think thank God I am where I am and I sure hope those others can make it. What soul is out there that needs to have extended to them--through you--Jesus' hands and feet? I really like Casting Crowns' song "If we are the body" I just says it so succinctly doesn't it? I thought I would put a YouTube link above just so you can here the song for yourself.

So the next time you think to yourself ah, that's way down the road, just remember that every year that now ticks by is like counting backwards, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20...and friends, there are a whole lot of people out there who haven't a clue. Don't wait until you retire to do a mission outreach project. If you can make your neighborhood your "mission" outreach. Do you know just how many people out there need to hear a kind word because their life is in a shambles? Or how about children that need a positive influence in their lives? Believe me, I am speaking to myself too. Surely there is a way to make a difference in your sphere of influence. And it doesn't have to be a BIG thing. Just tell someone the difference that Christ has made in your life. It might just be God's perfect timing as you provide a solution to their pain!

Let's make it count! My life verse is from Philippians 3:13,14

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

I see the goal and it's just ahead...

Because it is the Right Thing to Do!

I recently received a revelation dealing with relationships. More specifically dealing with relationship between believers. I am pretty certain that we all have been in the situation where we have either had an injustice done to us by a brother or sister-in-the Lord or we see these things being done to another. I don't know about you but my first reaction is "how could they, and they call themselves Christians." Honestly, like it or not we have all been in either side of the situation.

Before I continue, I want to put in a disclaimer. As I was laying in bed last night the Lord prompted me to do so because some of you are going to react negatively to this...I am not referencing people who have issues with being abusive, neglectful, or controlling. I do address the issue of confronting one caught in sin later. I am saying that all of us at some time or another have either mistreated or observed one who has mistreated a brother or sister-in-the-Lord. If you want to discuss this further with me please feel free to email me personally. I do understand your concern.

It really takes a person that is mature in their walk to respond correctly--in love--in situations like this. Most of the time we begin to gather the troops, spread the scenario around like jam so it gets good and sticky and make the offender out to be a horrible person. Even though they really aren't horrible they merely treated another horribly.

You have to love when the Holy Spirit does a number on you as you enter into the battle zone and suddenly you are heavily impressed upon to see the error of the way you are thinking and responding toward an offender. (I will call the person an offender simply because they mistreated another brother or sister-in-the-Lord. This time it was someone else not me so I could really rise in indignation toward that 'offender'.) My first reaction was to stir the pot of gossip. Do you know what so-and-so just did...I can't believe they treated _______ like that!

Don't we typically think that Christians wouldn't treat each other that way? Oh is that a wrong assumption. Let's face it, we all walk in the flesh from time to time but the bottom line is we shouldn't. Here is a passage of Scripture that hits this on the mark:

Galatians 5:13-16

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another! I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

And the fruit of the Spirit is, love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...It is so easy to ignore some of those fruit of the spirit, like "longsuffering", "kindness" and especially (for me that is) "self-control". If we believe our instruction manual, it rather looks as though we have an obligation to one another, don't you think?

Let's go to an interesting story in the Old Testament where we see Noah enjoying the fruit of his labor, from his vineyard.

Genesis 9:20-24

Then Noah began farming and planted a vineyard. And he drank of the wine and became drunk, and uncovered himself inside his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it upon both their shoulders and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were turned away, so that they did not see their father's nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine, he knew what his youngest son had done to him.

At this point Noah has done something foolish and been found out by his youngest son Ham. Ham then goes and make issue of it with his brothers Shem and Japheth. But they, instead of embarrassing their father, chose to cover his nakedness. As a cross reference to verse 21 we read in Proverbs 20:1 that "Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise." The two brothers were looking out for their father's reputation and they wouldn't even look upon him in his embarrassing state.

Let me ask you, have you done foolishly as a believer? There are many scenarios in my mind that I can replay and wish they weren't there. Times where I opened my mouth and inserted my foot and wish I could take back the things I said. That being said, if we love God and love others then why wouldn't we want to do the same for our brothers and sisters? In our own eyes we might look better, we might be a better "Christian" or maybe we are the somebody that really needs to set that person straight! For whatever reason another verse in the Proverbs (6:19) says "A false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers." We really are to look after one another aren't we.

Now I can hear someone say wait a minute. Are you saying that we don't expose their sin? There is a mandate on how to handle that. In Matthew 18 it talks directly of confronting one caught in sin. But before I go there I better be sure that the log is out of my eye and my motives are only out of love and for the betterment of my brother or sister.

I wonder what happens when a non-believer witnesses the correct response to the outrageous behaviour of another? I would like to think they see a woman who loves God and loves others. I have not brought shame to the offender and I am not being antagonistic or a false witness. Although, I confess that this is still not easy stuff to appropriate! For the worldly way and our natural tendency is self motivated but the Christlike way is selfless. The world says to expose, embarrass and sling the insults because it makes us appear better and they the fool. Christ's way is just the opposite, we do not damage the reputation of our brother or sister.

So I'm certain I won't pass every test that comes along in this area. But, when I do act correctly and look out for the well being of my brother or sister-in-the Lord, as obnoxious as they can be sometimes, I have peace with myself and God. And interestingly enough even with that offensive person.

Father God, these aren't always easy lessons to learn but this is a battle I want to win for Christ's sake. I ask for wisdom and discernment to quicken immediately within me through the Holy Spirit so I can see when I am headed in the wrong direction with my thinking. When I feel like I have every right to be angry at someone for whatever reason, let me hear Your still small voice speak "not I, but Christ.." We are not in this to win battles but to win others to Christ and to exhibit Christ's love in all kinds of situations in life. How else will they know we are different? Like the old song says, "they will know we are Christians by our love..." Thank you for teaching me these hard lessons and giving me the heart's desire to love You and love others. I surrender once again my rights for Your will. In the powerful, life-changing name of Jesus!

Lessons from a Schnauzer

If you happen to think you have things figured out enough in your life and that you and God are on the same page but for some reason you keep going round the mountain, give me a moment of your time to tell you my story.

I have been going through this huge test--simply put--because I always think I know what's best for me! What comes with that is trouble though, and I am ashamed to admit it, because surely by now I should know better. And it is not fun to admit that I am a slow learner. But I am going to risk some vulnerability because I have a feeling that I'm not alone! Maybe you have a decision you are getting ready to make that could change the direction of your life. It could involve a serious relationship, a financial investment or job opportunity. Whatever it is let me urge you to read this (yes, it is somewhat humorous) and ponder its implications as you cautiously proceed.

I have been a determined sort ever since I can remember. Although not growing up as a Christian, Mom did teach me right from wrong. I have always been and still am a very investigative sort. Yes, that can have a very positive aspect to it (when channeled in the 'right' direction.) How else would we ever know that there are (for example) planets that are part of a 'solar system' and that we (planet Earth) belong to one of them? Unfortunately, in my life it has become a stronghold that has gotten me into lots of trouble and this spirit of independence has plagued me even as a more 'mature' Christian. You see when I get something on my mind or in my head, I am not easily deterred. One might just reason it away saying I lack common sense at times. But what I really need to have is a plan before taking action and lets not forget how vital it is to have a witness in agreement of two or more to help discern whether or not we are really hearing from God.

You would certainly think that a few hard lessons would reign in the young lass who stepped out into some pretty bizarre situations. Like leaving home at 12 and again at 14 (not to return the second time.) Argh! My younger years were strange years and I grew up rather quickly. Yes, I was rather impulsive. Half the battle is recognizing there's a problem!

Gratefully, I became a Christian at the age of 30 and God began His deep work in me as I have learned to surrender the many areas of my will with the baggage of its consequences (and the deep pain in my heart) to Him. I am learning that as it says in John 15:5 "I am the vine, You are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." And this is where I want to begin, now that you have a bit of background.

Let me begin by honestly saying that I really am beginning to like who God is creating me to be. "Lord, please keep me teachable so I don't quit growing!" I also add that there is a whole lot of refining to be done. As with all of us, I am in process and will be until Christ calls me up or home. So most of the time I really do appreciate what God is teaching me and doing in my life. Now here's where I will reveal one of my strongholds to you--I still like to call the shots and think I know what is best for me. I forget Whose I am and Who knows best!

My husband and I now have a darling little puppy that I totally obsessed over until I got. You see, after having to put down our sweet old "Chelsey" dog of 13 two years ago, and then putting down our inherited Sheltie we acquired from Jerry's dad when he went home, it was then time to get what I wanted and thought would be best for us to have. I have wanted a Schnauzer for a long time but it has never worked out to have one. So for two months after the Sheltie was gone I searched online high and low and researching as I went, for our Schnauzer. They are great dogs, smart, sturdy, healthy and cut too! My husband decided that he didn't want any more pets (we also have a Siamese cat) insisting that when these were gone there would be no more. Yours truly persisted to convince him that we really should "try one on for size" assuming that he would just fall in love with her. I did pray about it, a lot. But let me confess, I did not wait on the Lord and like I always do, took matters into my own hands. Yes, Dawn knows best. In July we acquired our first standard Schnauzer. A scrawny 3.5 month-old black female from Canada (Manitoba to be exact.) I even had her name all picked out before hand, Elsa, a good German name for a good German dog, and it means 'God is my oath'.

So you ask "What's the point?" Let me tell you how God has used this little dog to teach me some stuff! I have learned some vital stats about 'Kimberly Dawn', like don't make me wait and don't tell me no! And I have had to pay the price for my resistance to learn. Old Frank Sinatra may have sung the song but I keep living it out, 'doing it my way'.

Our little Elsa is a smart little Fraulein and she really learns quickly the fun things. But...there is a very stubborn and determined side to her and as smart as she is she came with a few issues.

(She is pretty cute don't you think?)

• Coming off the farm, everything about city living scares her. (I should have named her Skiddles and when she first came through the door of the house, the cat greeted us as she always does and little Elsa freaked and poop went everywhere!)
• She had a horrible case of round worm--yuck. We had to deal with diarrhea issues for several weeks and that was no pleasure to clean up! (Two doses of medicine took care of that and we were good to go although the vet blamed the kennel rearing--how would I know?)
• We got her at 3.5 months which gave her head start in nurturing her strong will not to mention that the housebreaking took forever (we are finally making headway at 7.5 months)
• This little dog has a strong will that runs competitive with mine.

Argh--what have I done? Now I haven't painted a very nice picture have I. So please don't get me wrong, she has her delightful moments and can be a lot of fun. It is just that there are a few hurdles we are going to have to jump through before it is all said and done.

So what's all the fuss anyway? First of all, I forgot the time involved with a puppy. For a time and a season I have had to give up some pretty precious time that God and I spend together. I must say that that has been the biggest adjustment for me. Especially our first three months together. I have missed my time to write, read and study or do the little extra things around the house and I so look forward to once again being able to have time back. My mornings and evenings have involved puppy sitting while I try to read my Bible in between disciplining her for snatching the newspaper or pillow when I'm not looking. I know, this is all very typical puppy stuff.

I am also concerned that I am getting old and cranky! A few frustrating times of training--the experts always say don't push it if you're frustrated--have given way to some harsh reactions on my part. I hate that! And have had to cry out to God for forgiveness and mercy for being so harsh. I don't want to ruin her sweet spirit and cause her to be afraid of me. That has been very hard for me to deal with. Who wants to think of themselves as a harsh disciplinarian? Firm and loving, that's the way.

As I conclude this I have realized that things are definitely getting better. (As she learns and I learn.) But for a time I thought what have I done, and am I going to regret once again demanding my own way and going ahead of God? The thoughts have come and gone regarding what we could have had if I had waited for God's best. Like when the vet says his Schnauzer was house broken in short of two weeks at under two months old (My Elsa is just about there.) Or will she ever get that "stay" is for her good and so is "come". With all the deer in our yard I wonder what would happen to her the day she decides while off the leash, to chase one. Will I ever see her again? I know by heart the verses in Proverbs 3:5,6 that say,

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

But I forget the rest of the story when I read verse :7

"Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil."

Ouch, the Proverbs can really make the tough calls! Old Solomon was in tune to his maker! So when will Kimberly Dawn realize that God, Abba, knows what's best for His girl and that it is so much better to wait than to regret? His best is always for our best even if it doesn't seem like it at the time or that it can't be 'cause it is just taking too long.

Elsa is turning into a lovely Fraulein at 7.5 months

I have prayed that God has redeemed the jump-start kid once again and I know that He alone can bring beauty from ashes. Our little Elsa is learning and becoming a bit more grown up these days. I love her and her sweet little spirit and look forward to her maturing into a tremendous companion to me and my husband. The ride is slowing just a bit and as you can see I even have some time to do a bit of writing these days, yeah!

Well, if you can identify with my plight, let's pray and ask God to give us what is ultimately His very best and nothing less and the courage and patience to wait on the Lord. Let's pray

Pappa, once again I jumped ahead of You and You have gently reminded me that Father knows best! I really do want to give You my strong will and I also want to give You that part of me that thinks I know what is best for me. You know how impatient I can be when I don't get my way. Just let me learn this time as I surrender. Thank you for your word in Isaiah 40:31 that says we really do gain great strength from waiting upon You. Mounting up with wings like eagles, running and not becoming weary and walking without fainting. What a promise awaits those who are willing to hold on for Your best. I want that and I am so tired of the learning curve as I traipse around the mountain again and again in this area. Please deliver me and give me the courage to stand fast as I wait on You, in Your powerful Name, Amen!

The Power of Praise

It was a Monday--a Monday from the "pit". You know those days don't you? Nothing goes right from the moment you take the puppy out for her walk to...let's just say it was not a good day! She would not do anything she was supposed to do and she did much that she should not have. I will leave that to the imagination!

Well, work did not go much better. The newsletter copy was due and I could not make the deadline, the network connections went down when I needed to save the overnight news and weathers (for later airplay) and I even bashed my hand into the printer while flying into my office too fast. Looking back, it seemed as though there were many other snafus that occurred and I just wanted to put my head down and cry.

It was time to do my radio program, "the Vertical Connection", and I said, God, I am so unworthy to do this program today. How can I bring You glory when I have such a yucky attitude? The very first verse that popped into my head was from 2 Corinthians 12:10 b--"...for when I am weak then I am strong." Let's look at the context of this for a moment. Paul mentions the words of Christ in verse 9 as Paul wrestles with his "thorn in the flesh". "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Christ's grace and strength. This man Paul, with all of his knowledge of the Torah humbled himself to say he would gladly rather boast in his infirmities that the power of Christ might rest upon him. Now I'm no Paul but, God, through Christ Jesus offers us that same empowerment with grace and strength for the task ahead of us daily (and sometimes moment by moment!)

I bring this to light because I just felt so utterly worthless and incapable of being the "worship leader" my program requires. Preparing to begin I started of the program off confessing my need for God to step in and work on my behalf. I began to praise my way through the program as song after song ministered to my spirit. In so doing this I got the focus off of me and my stinky morning and on to the One it should have been on and I began to 'feel' much better.

My hypothesis is simply this, praising God diminishes anxiety. Indeed! Praising God--helped put an end to my difficult morning. Now I don't mean to say that my problems left but...they indeed were minimized as I brought God glory and praise. I brought God to the forefront of my problems.

Oh, if only that happened every time I found myself in a quandary like that. And it can, when all the attention is turned outward, reflecting upon my most glorious King! We all have those times when nothing seems to go as it should. Simply put, we need to acknowledge that each day is a gift from our Father. Let's rejoice in His faithfulness to us and allow His joy to fill us full to overflowing. For then in our weakness, Christ steps in with grace and His strength. That is what carries us through!

Lord Jesus, I don't want to operate in my own strength for I am inadequate. Your word affirms the fact that apart from You I can do nothing (John 15:5). Give me the grace to come to You in my weakness and as I choose to focus on all that You are, then You will indeed show Yourself strong on my behalf. Thank You for making my awful day manageable through the power of praise, Amen.

Sheri Rose's "His Princess Diet Plan for Victory"

Sheri Rose Shepherd has a great plan for us as we seek to be all the King desires for us to be spiritually, emotionally and physically! Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit we are not our own but bought with a price. Our obligation is to glorify God in our bodies!

"Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and athat you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."

1 Corinthians
6:19,20

If ever there was a battle taking place within me it is definitely my battle with either over-excess or indulgence in the wrong things. Do you know what I'm talking about here? I hate it because depending on the time-frame of my cycle and I am postmenopausal I still struggle, big-time. Typically for one week out of four my eating is out of control. And I crave sweets. But...God has made me a conqueror in ALL things and if I could only figure out how to apply that to my fourth week...wow! Take a peek at what Sheri Rose has to say for us below:

His Princess Diet Plan for Victory

Pray...Every morning confess your weakness to God and ask Him to give you the spirit of self-control. The first step toward a new beginning is confession.

Ask...someone to hold you accountable to a healthy diet and exercise program. Better yet, ask if that person would join you.

Fast...Consider making your diet a fast for your King. For thirty days, fast from any white flour, white sugar, or artificial sweeteners.

Remove...Do not set yourself up to fail. Take control of your kitchen and remove any and all foods that will tempt you to break your thirty-day fast.

Prepare for Battle...If you will prepare you meals in advance you will have a much better chance of winning over temptation. (visit hisprincess.com for more helpful information)

Purpose...to honor you body as the temple of the Holy Spirit; God will give you the power to prevail. Commit your diet to the Lord as Daniel did and include writing down your purpose for fasting and place it were you can see it daily.

No food tastes as good as being healthy feels!

(My Prince Will Come, © 2005 by Sheri Rose Shepherd. Published by Multnomah Publishers, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved)

Somehow I think that Sheri and I have had the same struggles. I also know that this is a battle that I don't want to lose and I know that the Lord wants the glory due His name when it is won! Let's pray for one another, that is, those of us who really struggle with this one. We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. Don't talk yourself out of that resistance mode! Have you been there? We don't deserve to indulge ourselves in stuff that isn't good for our temples. Help me here, can we have a taste of something that is unhealthy or an occasional piece of that yummy thing? How do you work this one out? I hope to get some feedback from you.

Father, you know how tired I am at wrestling with this. For the most part I confess that I want to talk myself into or out of or convince myself that it is okay to indulge. But then my indulging leads to gluttony and I become so ashamed of myself for slipping into such a slump. Then I spend the next three weeks of my four week cycle rebuilding what I have essentially crumbled. How discouraging this is. I can really see how important it is to have someone in the same boat to hold me accountable or to hold each other accountable as we struggle through. What a crazy thing to have as a stumbling block. Would you give me a partner who would help me through this and that I could help in turn? What a blessing to be able to win this one for you Pappa! I can imagine the smile on Your face when I have success and give You the glory! Amen

Another Lesson in God's Amazing Grace

The past two weeks have found me reading through Paul's book of Romans. I confess that I haven't been there for quite a while and upon revisiting especially chapters 6-12 I have been halted for further contemplation.

The first week found me intrigued by Chapter six and pondering the marvelous grace of God yet the warning (in Paul's fashion) to not take advantage of it! With an aire of sarcasm he says, "what shall we say then? and, what then?" several times to get our attention. Followed by the phrase, "may it never be!" Below are some of his well known quips to help us understand that by God's grace our sins are covered but not so that we can continue in sin but so that we can be free from the bondage of sin.

:1 "What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?"

:12-14 "There fore do not let sin reign in your mortal body that you should obey its lusts...but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace."

:15 "What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!"

I like the wrap here. Paul says that we are to be obedient from the heart. God knows the heart doesn't He. We can't hide a thing from Him. We can 'do' all the right stuff we want but unless our heart's motive is pure it doesn't mean a thing.

One of my weaknesses is dealing with the issue of food and how it affects my body. I honestly enjoy food and the tastes it has to offer. But, I have struggled with weight issues since my early 30's and over the years I am working on taking off the poundage I have aquired along the way.

In later years as part of my weekly ritual of being involved in a prayer and worship night on Tuesdays, I would fast. I believe in fasting and it really is an incredible thing when done with a pure motive, but I have done it with and without pure motives. When the Lord spoke to me one morning as I was preparing to begin my fast (sometimes no food, sometimes fruit, or sometimes no evening meal) He simply said to my spirit that I was really fasting to maintain my weight instead of for the spiritual reasons I liked to maintain I was doing it for. This was a real slap because I had reasoned it out that I was doing a very godly thing by denying my food for the day. To have my Father tell me that it has been many times for the wrong reasons was like, well, getting busted. I was rather amazed at how this 'good' thing became sin because I was not doing it for its original intent. So how could Dawn, who died to sin still live in it? How contrived can one become!

Well, the lesson here is that I need to check my reasons for doing what I do. I was doing a good thing that became a tool to help keep my weight in check and to 'look good' or impress those who observed my denial. Wrong motive! I was so embarrassed by the obvious game I was playing with myself and God that I have been very hesitant to fast and I don't very often as a matter of fact. I know that God has forgiven me or He wouldn't have pointed it out to me. I was becoming enslaved to sin. And here is the beauty of God's amazing grace, by my own admission of that sin, God has gently corrected me and helped me to move beyond it so that when I do fast it truly is for the right reasons. God is glorified and I am operating out of obedience and a desire to present myself as a living sacrifice. I still have a long way to go in regard to my eating issues as I learn to eat to live and not live to eat but that is just part of the process that I am going through to be more Christ-like.

Here is the basis of my gleaning in Romans six:
obedience = righteousness (right standing with God)
righteousness = sanctification (set apart for God)
sanctification = eternal life (to be forever with my King)

Chapter six concludes beautifully stating that we have been freed from sin, and enslaved to God (whom we willing serve with a pure heart) with the outcome of our obedience being eternal life.

Lord I thank you for your amazing grace that sets us free from the life we live in sin. This process that we must endure hurts especially when the truth is pointed out and we have been living enslaved to something that doesn't glorify You. I love the final verse of chapter six where Paul tells us, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." I don't understand it all completely but I am getting a glimps the picture and I just ask that You would continue to show me when I am not serving You with a pure heart. I love You Father and I want You to smile when You look at me and I love what Paul Young put in his book "The Shack" when he wrote of You saying that You are particularly fond of that one." May that one be me!
Love, Your girl

You are Ready for Spring Aren't You?

Evening of April 25th

Well friends, winter is dealing us another blow. April 25th and another spring snow storm promising to deliver 6" - 15" so say the meteorologists. Argh...I have crocuses already blooming and they are going to be covered with a blanket of snow tomorrow morning. On top of that, we will probably have to postpone a trip to Bemidji to see the grandsons. How discouraging is it when our plans don't work out. I have this Scripture taped in main control at work that says:

"The Mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps" Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)

It seems that there a couple of ways to look at that verse with one having a negative slant and the other quite a positive directive. The application for me of late is understanding that my default is to always run ahead of God and make all my plans without consulting my Father. Well, you know how frustrating that can be when the plans don't work out the way you thought they should have. I think of those poor little crocuses that have opened their pretty little heads to show some of the first colors of spring to us and then wham, they get hit with six inches of snow. Somehow I'm guessing, this probably inhibits their growth and reproduction. When I tie that in with going ahead of God like I do so often, I wonder just how much am I set back from my growth by not praying and seeking the Father's will before I lunge ahead and move out? How do you like this verse in Proverbs:

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but the counsel of the Lord, it will stand" Proverbs 19:21 (NASB)

The counsel of the Lord will stand. Hmmm...counsel of the Lord, Etsah in Hebrew, meaning advice; consultation; purpose, project, plan, design; wisdom, deliberation. Wow, do I consult with my Father as I make my plans? Almost always, not. Do I seek out His purpose before I run out the door, make the phone call or plan the trip? Of course not, especially if it is just everyday living type of stuff. But this is my challenge and what God is trying to teach this old girl. How much better to seek God in the morning as I begin to plan my day or whatever it is that I have going on than to do things at random and on a whim.

Now I just looked up the meaning of whim in Websters Dictionary and the meaning is a bit odd and not nearly as fun as I always though of it being as when we us it as the adjective, whimsical. So the first meaning of this noun is: a freakish pattern of ideas and their associated emotions as a motive of action. I am thinking that this is not the best laid plan for myself or anyone who desires to live a Spirit filled and controlled life. Why do I want to act on emotions based on freakish ideas? In essence that is what I'm doing by missing out on God's best for my daily living when I forsake my time with Him as I plan my 'whatever.'

By the way, it is Saturday morning, April 26th and the snow has (so far) produced slick roads with a dump of about 6+ inches on top. Good thing my husband didn't put that snow blower away for the spring! There are all these tiny, little spring birds flitting around trying to find fall's leftovers that are now covered in several inches of snow. And the worse part is that the snow is expected to continue for several more hours and the temperature is only 23 degrees with a wind chill making it feel like only 10! What's up with that? And just to let you know that this is the third snowstorm in northern Minnesota this month, April alone! The other two deposited anywhere from a couple to 30+ inches of wet sloppy snow in some areas of the northland on the first and second weekends of the month. I'll bet you are glad you don't live here. But if you do, we just say, "Well, that's northern Minnesota! You never know what you are going to get."

The bottom line for me is that I need to quit running ahead of God, and slide into His plans for my 'whatevers.' So much easier said than done especially if that is the way I have done it all my 24 years as a believer. Those old habits are so hard to break but God has amazing things to say about the man who indeed walks in God's ways like this:

"The steps of a mans are established by the Lord; and He delights in his way.
When he falls, he shall not be hurled headlong; because the Lord i the One who holds his hand."
Psalm 37:23, 24

The crocuses managed to endure unscathed for the most part!

You have to love that! God delights in my ways when I walk in His will. A dear friend told me not to be too hard on myself for we are all in a process and indeed we are. But I truly want to be a woman who is bent on walking in God's plans for my life. Hey, at my age how much time do I have left? When I am led by the Spirit then I walk in love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The fruit produced by being Spirit-led. I will share on that another time.

"Father, I sure frustrate myself time and time again when my best laid plans go awry! How frustrating because I am so convinced that I have laid them perfectly yet without Your approval and consultation, I miss the cracks and weaknesses that can literally trip me up. I am humbly asking, Father, for You to help me come to You the first thing with my days and events, allowing You to shape and mold them as You do when I ask. Even more importantly though is to help me to wait and listen for Your reply when I do ask for Your direction. I am tired of being in a hurry, rushing out the door without Your approval and then asking why when things get weird. I pay dearly every time I do that. Thank You that You are so concerned with my little life that You will show me the way when I ask. You truly are an amazing Abba God, Amen"

Happy Valentine's Day

It is a day designated to express and receive love! How delightful. Because of this day I want to share a writing by Stephen Crotts for you.

Love ~
To be young, wealthy and in love--all in the third century. And to be a Christian.

Such was young Valentine. He would consummate his great love by taking her as his bride. Soon he would be wed. But his world came crashing down around him when the Roman emperor declared all Christians illegal citizens and guilty of treason. All they had to do was to say, "Caesar is Lord!" Rather than deny Christ, young Valentine was arrested.

In jail, awaiting his execution, he wrote love letters to his girlfriend...beautiful, passionate letters assuring her of his great love for her. But theirs would be a love not lived out. On February 14, 269, Valentine was put to death, martyred for Jesus Christ.

Since then, Christians have celebrated his fidelity to Christ and romantic love on the 14th of February by sending our own love letters to special people. And we do so this year, let us resolve to live for Christ unashamedly.

~ Stephen Crotts

So my friend, how are you spending your Valentine's day? Maybe a romantic dinner with card and flowers from or to your beloved? It seems odd that we need a day in the year to remind us to show and exhibit love. That we should express our faithfulness and love to our beloved and most of all to our Christ. His words to us penned by the apostle Paul in Corinthians need to be seared upon our hearts,

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

1 Corinthians 13

No small wonder it is called the Love Chapter. The above words are the key to any and every relational issue known to man. For if we do as it says we should, we become humbly involved in laying aside our agenda and we pick up with care the concern for others and administer love, unselfish (self-motivated!) love.

I know my tendencies and I know how hard it is to look beyond me and see others in the light of God's love, forgive me Lord. As Your creation it should be a natural to do likewise--as You do unto us--to those around us. But I get in the way.

Father, when I am struggling with my spouse, my friends and even the poky driver ahead of me who thinks I should live my life at his speed, help me to think LOVE. Forgive all the "but...'s" that I throw out as excuses to justify my unloving attitude. Lord, if I could always have on my mind the love You showed Your unworthy child, I just might remember. And how do I really show Your love to that unlovable person we all seem to have in our lives? Whatever it takes Lord, I need Your grace and mercy so that I would remain that humble servant who desires to walk in love and does. I am so weary of asking and then turning around and reneging. Give me authenticity that will reveal who You are through me. I love you Abba and my desire is to live for You. In Jesus Name, Amen

A Gift of Life

"...But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, Seed of Abraham My friend--You whom I drew from the ends of the earth and called from its far corners, To whom I said: You are My servant; I chose you, I have not rejected you--Fear not, for I am with you, Be not frightened, for I am your God; I strengthen you and I help you, I uphold you with My victorious right hand."

Isaiah 41:8-10 (JPS)

Praise be to God who allowed us the amazing privilege of being grafted into the lineage of Abraham, God's friend, Isaac and Jacob, by simply receiving His gift, His precious Son, Jesus. For God Himself, became flesh to dwell among us, making a way where there was no way because of sin. Coming to earth as a humble little baby, born of a virgin (young Mary) as was told so long ago so that you and I could become God's sons and daughters. Do you realize just how incredible that reality is? Can you wrap your brain around the fact that the Creator of the universe, our Father, made a way for us to have a personal relationship with Him? I will honestly tell you that I don't understand it. It makes me crazy to think that the love of my heavenly Father exceeded all imagination just to restore me to a right standing with Him! How could I ever expect to comprehend this one? But...by faith, I must. I must simply believe because after all He has saved my life, given me hope and a chance to walk with purpose in my gait, giving me a reason to wake up and live!

You know that you too can have life that is intended to be full and rich and abundant filled with purpose. You do know that don't you? If not, friend, I can't say enough of what it would take to convince you of this truth. I know, you can't see it, taste it, smell it or see it but...it is yours for the taking. So here, here is the gift of hope, wrapped up in love and not only love but the Father's love. A gift of life the life of His Son, Jesus. Here, it is for you, I want so much for you to have it, no strings attached! He loves you so much that words are inadequate to even explain it! I pray you receive the blessings of being welcomed into the family of God, friend. Take it from someone who has been so topsy turvy through her first 34 years of life, it will turn your world right-side up!

Make Me a Change Agent

The group Delirious? has a great song that I can really identify with. It is called "History Maker" and I think it could be one of my favorites by the group. After speaking in a church this morning I based the gist of the message on being a "Change Agent" and upon further pondering I believe that the two are quite similar. Bottom line is I want my life to be used to make a difference for the Kingdom. As I looked up the meaning of "Change Agent" this is what I read:

A change agent, or agent of change, is someone who intentionally or indirectly causes or accelerates social, cultural, or behavioral change.

If we apply that to kingdom work...Wow, that's it! I want to make a difference in the lives of other people to the extent that they will become more Christ-like. It is not about me, but about God using me and working through me, His vessel or conduit!

Likewise, a History Maker is one who obviously has such an affect on their environment that they can actually change the course of history, wow! That is pretty powerful stuff! By the way, you can check out the song above on the YouTube link.

Like I told the folks this morning, "we didn't get saved to live a cushy, comfy life with all the amenities, we got saved to make a difference in the kingdom as we come alongside of those who don't know the King of kings." We were saved to show others Christ!

Father, I am asking You to do such a work in me that I would become one who can make a difference in my environment for you. As I go about the day-to-day stuff I want people to see You and that You really do make a difference in people's lives. After all, I am not who I used to be, praise be to God! Let others see You when they observe me so that You will be glorified and others will desire to know You. It is only through You that I can be the hands, feet and mouth of Jesus. As You perfect in me the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, I will make a difference for Your kingdom and change the course of history, Amen.

Praise is Prayer

Scripture teaches that we experience the manifest presence of God as we "enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise." (Psalm 95:2, 100:4 NIV) We thank God for his goodness and we praise him for his greatness.

Praise is prayer. When I lift up my heart to God to praise him, I talk to him and commune with him. Prayer is not all asking. As Thomas Watson, the seventeenth-century Puritan, quaintly put it, "Many have tears in their eyes, and complaints in their mouth, but few have harps in their hand, blessing and glorifying God. Let us honor God this way. Praise is the quitrent we pay to God: while God renews our lease, we must renew our rent."

True prayer is in itself part of our praise of God. We go to him in a way we go to no one else. He is able to help us as no one else can. Furthermore, in prayer we submit ourselves to God's will--we pray "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Mathew 6:10) as the foundation of all our other prayers. By our acknowledgment that God's will is best, we praise God indirectly for his infinite and perfect wisdom. -- from "Praise Is Prayer" by Derek Prince

Father, let me lay down all of the concerns that I am having. I truly want to be void of all things that are worldly and reek of me. Give me, even if for just a few minutes, the opportunity to dwell in Your presence and let me linger there as I simply place my attention full on You, Lord. Gazing upon Your beauty and acknowledging all that You are. I know that You will then fill my heart with Your purposes, Your will for my life, my environment, and my community as I radiate Your love. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Out of the Desert

We all have dry times in our lives when there is just nothing happening for us spiritually and it just seems as if we are crawling along in our walk. Everything is just as it always is and it can seem alright for a time but then we sense the growing barrenness in our life. The old feeling of walking alone and out of sync with the flow. Everyone else seems to be alive and excited to be serving God but for some reason, I feel blah spiritually!

I have been there so many times and frankly I do not like being there. Traveling that path for any length of time is very weighty and I certainly mean that to say with a load of sorrow. I have never been in a sand dessert but for a time I did live in the northern part of New Mexico. It is not quite the same but there are some similarities with the hot dry, summers. In a sand desert, there is some life but not a bustling flurry of activity as in a thriving forest. It is simply too hot and dry.

This ugly cactus plant of mine is rather similar to the plants that grow in the desert. It tends to thrive on very little water and it is so ugly that I almost wish it would die so I could get rid of it. I think it is about 45 years old and as you can see it doesn't get huge. What grows (very slowly I might add) are these ugly long fronds or whatever you call them with their prickly little edges (although not like the usual cacti with its thorns.) It sits rather lopsided in my pot and obstructs my husbands view of the television if I don't turn it around the other way.

My dry times are rather like that old cactus, dry, barren, lonely and fruitless. It really is a terrible place to be. I am not even nice to be around because I have no joy, motivation or energy. I just want to hang it up. Interestingly, it even causes those that I am around to get cranky, like my husband. My hard places don't just effect me, they also have an impact on those around me. My co-workers know when Dawn is going through rough times because I am generally a fairly joy-filled person. (Praise God!) But not with the weight of the world on my shoulders and pressing me down! Or a mind preoccupied with relationships gone awry.

It is difficult to own up to but these dry times are usually caused by my own poor choices. If you are a relational person like me, you know how important people are in your life and you need them to interact with and fellowship with and just to enjoy life with. Thank you Lord for creating fellowship with one another. But then the offense comes along and steals the joy in my heart. I usually make provision for the flesh and react by harboring bitterness or jealousy in my heart and wham, there I go down in the desert for some rounds about the mountain. My thoughts are possessed with wrong thinking. My reactions are very "me" centered around all my thoughts and hurt feelings. Woe is me, they don't understand, what about my feelings on the issue and don't I have a "right" to feel the way I do? Just look how they have hurt me! You really can try to justify almost anything!

When I go to bed at night, I want sweet thoughts and pleasurable memories of my day or week. I want to reflect on the goodness of the Lord and to be able to see His hand in motion throughout my day. If I am in the midst of a desert experience I can't see any of that, just poor me. If I dwell too long in that place I become dryer, harder and more and more lifeless because I am getting more and more bitter in my own defense. What an icky place to be!

How in the world do I come to an end of my desert journey? Thanks be to God for the power of the Holy Spirit in spite of quenching His Spirit with my "me-ness" mentality. Something jogs my heart and I begin to see that I am the problem not the other party. I'm the one who is holding on to the bitterness, unforgiveness, anger and resentment because all I can see is how mistreated I have been. God's Word has sooo...much to say about the above list of excuses we use to stay in our desert land:

This Scripture from Matthew 5:23,24 really sheds a spotlight on relational issues out of sync:

"So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

I am believing that my offering to God is not going to amount to anything with resentment at the root of my heart. And I have worshiped and wondered why I couldn't sense His presence and wondered why He seemed so distant from me.

From Romans 13:14 Paul tells,

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts."

And this includes along with all sorts of immoralities, strife and envy.

And once again from Mark 12:25

"But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."

You have to admit that forgiveness is a huge issue in God's eyes. I guess that means that I better make it a priority also. He says (God says) 70 times 7 and that if I cannot forgive then I too will not be forgiven. God forbid I don't get a grasp on this one!So, what is my excuse now? Can I really justify my situation any longer? I don't think so! Okay Holy Spirit, show me how to get myself to the watering hole 'cause I am so thirsty and so dry and desperately longing for Your presence once again.

You see, with enough sunlight and just the right amount of water, that ugly old cactus does an amazing thing every once in a while. It unpredictably blooms. Sometimes only one or two but these huge gorgeous blooms come out of the most unlikely places. And like that blooming cactus, I too need adequate time in the "Son" so that I can produce fruit that will please my Father and bless others. How's your heart today? Are you filled with bitterness and anger? Unforgiveness and resentments? You may know what the fruit of the Spirit is and that is what I want to exhibit in my life towards others. It is through a victorious life that this fruit grows and is used to show others the love of Christ.

Galatians 5:22,23

"But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law."

Father, will You show me my unpleasantness and its root? I don't want to be there anymore. I want the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in my life so that when others look at my life they see You. Help me to root out all the negative things like anger, resentment, bitterness, envy and strife that is keeping me in bondage. Set me free and even if I need to go to someone for forgiveness will You give me the grace to humble myself and approach that one so that we might be restored to fellowship with each other and with You? I will trust that You will work out all the details of this in my life and that You will receive all the glory, honor and praise due Your Name. I will lean on Your promises and trust this to be resolved in Your perfect timing. Restore me Lord to Your presence and fill me with Your precious Holy Spirit, in Jesus' Name, Amen

Encouragement for You!

Are you hungering and thirsting for more of the Lord? Are you tired of lagging behind and weary from going round and round the mountain? Friend, let's seek the Lord like never before! The prize is just ahead of you, you must not be discouraged to the point of giving up and giving in. Continue to press in and pray like never before!

“Revival is not found by urging repentance (even though God wants us to repent). It does not result from seeking unity (although unity is important). It does not come by seeking the harvest. It is not achieved by seeking city transformation. In fact, revival is not found by seeking revival. Revival comes--God’s presence comes--when we seek Him with allof our hearts!" Robert Heidler, from Chuck Pierce's book, Reordering Your Day: Understanding and Embracing The Four Prayer Watches

“He will revive us! On the third day He will restore us that we may live

In His presence. Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge Him.

As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the winter rains,

Like the spring rains that refresh the earth.” – Hosea 6:2-3

This encouragement comes from Kimberly Roelofs, the Administrative Assistant for the Capitol Prayer Network and Midwest Chaplains!

There really is no reason to give up, just keep praying and we will birth the breakthroughs!

Undignified Worshipper

From Matt Redman's book "The Unquenchable Worshipper - Coming Back to the Heart of Worship" (published by Regal Books Copywrite @2001 Matt Redman)

This afternoon I played Matt Redman's song "Undignified." It is a captivating song that gets right to the heart of King David who danced with all his might upon bringing the ark finally back to Jerusalem. It was a public display of a heart passionate to serve God and it disturbed his wife Michal so much that their relationship was never the same, she came to despise David for his unruly public display of worship.

In the book Matt says:

"One of the Hebrew words for praise, hallal, means to be clamorously foolish or mad before the Lord. (That's where we get our word "hallelujah.") In a "reasons to be passionate" competition, the church of God should come an easy first; yet too often we find ourselves lagging way behind in this area. Isn't it time we saw a bit more holy mayhem in our worship?"

I am in agreement with Matt's opinion that we don't give all the honor and praise due our King. Let us rave and rant at sporting events and our kids games, but solemn we must stay before our glorious King? Heaven's no, let me be a fool for Christ's sake and let my praise simply magnify my adoration for all He is and has done!

Lord, teach me to withhold nothing from when I come to worship and praise You. Let my praise be a delight to Your ears as I worship You with all my might!

Searching for God with Skin

Searching for God with Skin

Searching for God with skin on is sort of like looking for love in all the wrong places. I can be an emotionally charged woman who can sometimes go up and down depending…on a lot of things. It could be a hormonal thing, a crisis or just a wrong reaction on someone’s part and bam…I’ve reacted, and negatively. When things are out of wack in my world it would be a wonderful thing to just have God with skin on to wrap His arms around me and speak words of comfort and encouragement to my spirit. But that is just it, I can’t “feel” the comfort or the healing so then I just feel very alone. I know I am not the only one who has been here, you girls know what I’m talking about!

What I need I can’t seem to find. I want my Papa because to hear Him would give me comfort. But I can’t hear His voice audibly. Of course if I did it would scare me half to death! So what am I to do? I can’t run to man, for he is just like me, weak and vulnerable and easily persuaded. Not always wise in his ways and, or given to discernment. No, I can’t go there--although many times I am so tempted to do just that! And maybe, just like me, when you have given in to what the flesh wants you in turn get burned. Instead of the hope and encouragement you were looking for, the fix becomes temporary. Leaving a hollow in your spirit.

Girls, (please don't think I am minimizing the problem here) this is what I can choose to do. I can run to my Daddy, my Abba. The One who will never, ever let me down. The One who gives comfort to my spirit and causes me to soar once again where I belong. No, it may not be the fleshly comfort that would “feel” so welcoming but, my spirit would be ministered to and I would receive a healing touch that would alter the outlook of my situation. So I run to Him, and I crawl upon His lap that is more than roomy enough for this big girl to snuggle in and I receive his love. Here is where the healing begins.

There was a time when I truly needed a real encounter with my heavenly Father. I will let you in on a time when I learned that I wasn’t an orphan after all.

“I remember one morning when I felt so lonely and longed for an earthly father to receive comfort from. You see, I am very alone most of the time. At this time in my life, my husband and I are at different places spiritually. We aren’t always on the same page when it comes to the Lord. I tend to spiritualize things a bit more and my man is down to earth and very basic in his faith. Sometimes that makes me feel a bit alone. One morning after my husband went off to work (he is the early bird and leaves the house like clockwork every work morning at 5:05 and sometimes I sneak back to bed but other times I can have good times with the Lord when I stay up. Although it was an unusual thing to do, I heard my ‘Abba’ Father beckon me to come and crawl up on His lap and bury my head in His shoulder. I am just about sure that I looked around to make sure that no one could see me and actually it was only the animals and me home at that time. So I did what the Lord invited me to do! I covered myself with a quilt and envisioned being in my daddy’s lap and I cried out to Him pouring my heart out to Him. I told Him how very lonely and sad I felt. There are times when we do not get the emotional response we need from our parents or spouse and that can pull us into a down time—maybe even throwing us out of whack emotionally. But god, You are there and You hear my cries and my pain, You don’t become weary of hearing me whine and carry on. You listen and comfort me, You, the God of Jacob, hear my prayers. This is something so amazing. Had anyone been able to see me that morning and heard my weeping, they would have wondered if there was something drastically wrong with me. But, my Daddy, My Abba Father, held me close and was very attentive to my sorrows and provided me with comfort and peace. To my spirit He assured me of His love and acceptance of me—which is so what I needed at that moment. You know, it could have been PMS or feeling sorry for myself for whatever reason. But God, my God, was there for me when no else was for my husband surely would have thought I lost my mind. My God knows the heart of His girl and how she just gets lonely and sad sometimes.”
(from Worshiping in the Psalms, Psalm 84)

It indeed seems odd that this could bring the peace needed in a dire straights moment, but for me it was a true epiphany that would forever change the way I perceive my heavenly Father. Girls, guard your heart and don’t let your emotions rule, run to the right thing and you will receive the comfort that only your Daddy, your Abba, can give you. You will find healing and peace that passes all understanding and you will have the courage to go on!

Resting in His perfect peace,
~ Dawn

Father to the fatherless

Father wounds are very painful and they can take a very long time to heal. We have been airing a program on our radio station that has naturally--because of upcoming Father's Day--made father the focus. Rightfully so! One day a year we can honor the man (in some of our lives) that served to be that marvelous example of love, provision, admiration and respect. As I said, in some of our lives. I think it is truly wonderful when people speak of their fathers with the utmost of respect and admiration. But on the other hand, there have been too many poor examples of that fatherhood role exhibited by those who claim the title of Father, Dad, Pop, Papa, etc.

I don't mean to sound sarcastic about this, I really don't, I am however standing for those of us who either had poor examples of fatherhood inflicted upon us or didn't have a father at all such as myself. Now listening to the gentleman on our program give the most illustrious talk about the man he looked up to and admired with the utmost of respect, his father, made me long for that missing link in my life. I really cried to think that there can be an earthly man that fills that mold of 'father' so wonderfully as the speaker's father did. Wow! The respect and admiration was more than evident as he shared of losing his father and spending those last days with his hero.

Okay, you are thinking what is this girl's problem that she can't be thrilled for a shining example of an earthly father. Really, I do think it is wonderful but my heart is empty for the father that I never had. I always heard what a wonderful man he was but funny, that wonderful man couldn't take care of my mother and me. I was always told he was such a pioneer type, rugged and fun-loving, but I have only seen pictures of me with him as a one-year old. I understand he came from a family of good fortune but mom went to work to support us because that great guy that my father was couldn't hold a job. When I wrote an aunt to see if she had anything wonderful to share about my father she told me he was a disgrace to her family and poor excuse for a human being. Argh, there was no love lost there! Needless to say, my image of this wonderful man was somewhat skewed and the whole scenario of fatherhood seemed quite a mystery to a little girl who remained curious and longing for what she thought others had and she had not.

It took many years of very difficult circumstances to realize that I was looking for 'love' (father's love) but that I was going at it all backwards. At the age of 42 my life took a 'right' turn by realizing that I had a root of bitterness I wasn't even aware of that had settled itself deep in my heart. It was 12 years earlier that I had opened myself to the gift of salvation and received Jesus Christ into my heart. But that didn't make my life 'happy.' A series of circumstances brought about by my pride, dysfunction and strong will found me miserable and ready to give it all up. It is rather remarkable to think that God had a different plan. And part of this journey was acknowledging that the pain in my heart was--for the most part--due to anger toward a man I never even knew. Quite an amazing thing to think about how someone you never knew could have such an impact on your life, but he really did. It was in large part because of the Freedom in Christ ministry that I was able to release that bitterness and begin to see that I have a perfect Father now. I still have twinges of longing for "God with flesh" like when you want a great big hug from arms that can just pull you in and hold you so you can snuggle your head into his chest and feel the comfort of all comforts. For now that can't be, but someday, I am going to run to my Abba Father, my Daddy and He is going to embrace me and never let me go.

I am longing for that day! And friend, if you have that emptiness in your heart, that hole that just runs on empty because there was no father love to fill it up, I have an answer for you. Will you let the Father of all fathers begin to fill the hole with love that will begin to heal as a balm does on a wound? He is the Father to the fatherless, the husband to the widow and He will never let you down, leave or forsake you! Cry out to Him right now, something just like this:

Father in heaven, I am longing to have this hole in my heart be healed.
I have looked for love in all the wrong places and have paid dearly for my poor choices.
I am so tired of running from one thing to another as I look for whatever it takes to keep the pain from overwhelming me.
There are times when I just want to kill myself and be done with this life.
As I look up to You, will you receive me just as I am and forgive me for doing my own thing as I searched for something to bring me happiness.
Forgive me for the mess I have made of my life and help me to have a clean, new beginning with You.
Thank you that by Your Son Jesus, I can come to You and You will hear me and answer and You won't turn away from but will welcome me into Your family.
I look forward to the plan that You have had for me since I was being formed in my mother's womb and I am going to trust You to be my guide as I learn to love and live for You.
In Jesus' name, amen.

Friend, you will never regret making this new beginning. Welcome to the family of God, you are now a child of the Most High God! If you made the decision to receive the free gift of salvation will you let someone know? You can even let me know and I will do my best to send you something to help you on your new journey just email your response to vertical.connection@gmail.com.

~ Northern Minnesota May ~

It is just dreary today and a bit on the chilly side, yeah, just a bit! I looked out my window to see my fairly young lilac bush with its first full flower blooms, (we only planted it a couple of years ago) and I couldn't smell the delightful lilac fragrance. It made me sad that it is so cold that the fragrance won't emanate from these lavender lovelies. But as I reflected upon that reality this flowed from me:

The flowers of Spring
that we have waited for so long.
As winter decides on one last fling
A last attempt, then to be gone.

Beloved lilac and the flowering fruits,
Shiver while longing to release their fragrance.
Tender new leaves, buds and shoots
As the cold north wind blows, they dance.

A prelude to the promise of all things new
they anxiously await the warm summer season.
Then it's here, the longed for months but few!
It won't be long, too quickly fall will beckon.

I know God is well aware of the seasons we go through and possibly we are sometimes a bit premature. If we aren't ready to advance we must wait patiently for the right timing, God's timing and then, what will emanate from us is the fragrance of Christ. A fragrance like the smell of fresh baked bread or fresh brewed coffee. It beckons us to come in, out of the cold and the darkness into the warmth and light where the darkness is dispelled and left behind.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they might see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" Matthew 5:16

More Like Him

More like You, I'm longing to become

Where I imitate Christ and am gradually set free

With Your Spirit, You have permeated this one,

And someday in Your presence I will be.

Imitators of Christ, little Christs, Christ likeness, I want this to be my goal and I long for the day when my striving will be done. You see, I am becoming more aware that I am to be an example to others, a model if you will of Christ. Not perfect (heavens!) but one who shows Christ through her strengths and weaknesses. I conduct Bible studies and am on the air each weekday with a radio program where I can use my gift of exhortation and encourage others along their way.

While pondering and working on this week's memory verse,

"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Corinthians 7:1 (NASB)

My thoughts became filled with a deeper understanding and longing to be more like Christ. The first part of 2 Corinthians 7:1 tells us that we have promises from God. I looked back to chapter 6:14-18 to see just what these promises were all about,

"we are the temple of the living God...I will dwell in them and walk among them (that is with us, me)...I will be their God and they shall be my people...I will be a father to you and you shall be sons and daughters to Me..."

Wow, these are incredible promises and should cause some kind of a response from us as children of the Most High God! But there is also this clear distinction between walking with Father God and walking contrary to His ways,

"Do not be bound together with unbelievers, as this sets us up to partner with lawlessness, darkness, idols and the unclean..."

Okay wait a minute here, are we to set up camp in Christendom and have nothing to do with the world? How can we introduce others to their heavenly Father if we isolate ourselves from the rest of the world. I have known situations with believers who actually see the verse as meaning we avoid the unbeliever, period. And the verse does say that we are to come out from among 'them' (unsaved gentiles) and separate ourselves from them. So how in the world does this work?

I hope what I have found is that the key word here is the word bound .Bound means to be fastened or tied to something and as I wonder about that in the context of Paul's words I see that our wise Father instruct us (for our own good) not to be fastened and tied to the things of the world. In the Amplified Bible it uses the word yoked [do not make mismated alliances with them or come under a different yoke with them, inconsistent with your faith.]A believer should not marry an unbeliever, nor should a believer draw up a business partnership with an unbeliever. Believers are not supposed to think like unbelievers and therefore, we can't run a tight ship with conflicting beliefs. I know you can run through the scripts this portrays.

Well, sometimes we do as Paul says, "..the very thing I do not wish to do...". When we are young in our faith and still depending on the milk of the word instead of the meat, we tread where we shouldn't and then pay the price. Hey, sometimes we learn the hard way and sometimes we dwindle in our faith and end up forsaking our calling even to our faith.

I remember well as a young, new Christian (divorced mother of three) how convinced I was that the man I was living with (a good man) was the man I would spend the rest of my life together with. Although he knew what the Christian life was all about (walking away in his early twenties) he was not living like one then and basically would have called himself a 'backslider' when we began our relationship together. As a brand new Christian, I was convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that this was right and good and we ended up getting married. My choice superceded God's best for me and my children to the point that we really had some very trying years ahead of us...But God! The long and short of it is that we have now been married for 22 years and God has definately restored the years the locust destroyed but I learned a tremendous lesson first hand about being with one of a different alliance than myself. And the lesson was literally driven home. I tell you, our Abba Father knows what He is doing when He tells us not to be bound to those things that are not of Him. The good news is when we come to that hard place in the road as a result of our poor choices, we can cry out and turn back to the One who will lead us home. God will reward your faithfulness to do the right thing and make the right choice by waiting on Him. Then you will reap the benefits referred to in that memory verse, those promises Paul says we have because we are God's children.

Father God, so many of us have to learn the hard way from our wrong choices. We have received many bumps, and scrapes along the way that result in scars (like my being divorced) that can sometimes be unsightly. For that one today who is getting ready to make a life changing decision, I pray that she would stop, be still and listen to Your Holy Spirit. Father, it is not only just hearing Your voice in our spirits, it is then making the choice to respond in obedience to Your instruction. I pray that their desires would not have the upper hand in their decision making today. Give them the grace to pull back if necessary until You can direct them in the pathway that will be that best choice for all involved. I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-7 ,

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil."

Thank You Lord for loving me enough to be my guide as I become more like you.

May you know His blessings!

One Man's Description of Worship

Worship ~

"is the submission of all of our nature to God,
it's the quickening of conscience by His holiness,
nourishment of mind by His truth,
purifying of imagination by His beauty,
opening of the heart to His love,
submission of will to His purpose,
All this gathered up in adoration...is the greatest of human expressions."
~Ravi Zacharias

Thought for Today

"...Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God."

So my former co-worker Gene and I discussed the portion of Scripture above. And having gone through some studies that deal with 'offense' that came to light again today. First of all how important it is that we have right relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ (not to mention all the other wonderful and not so wonderful people in our lives.)

Here is the Scripture in its context:

"You have heard that the law of Moses says, 'Do not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the high council. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.

"So if you are standing before the altar in the Temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Come to terms quickly with your enemy before it is too late and you are dragged into court, handed over to an officer, and thrown in jail. I assure you that you won't be free agian until you have paid the last penny."

I am now understanding that I just don't have a 'right' to carry a grudge or to hold on to a misunderstanding with another person. But...why is it so hard to set these things right with a brother or sister I may have offended or royally ticked off? Well, what about that person who observes my actions and sees me as a 'goody two shoes Christian' yet can't get along with my brothers and sisters? What am I showing them? Probably that I am no different from the rest of the world. But aren't I supposed to be? I am sanctified and set apart. It means I should operate and not be holier than thou but holy unto God. I think it means that I need to look different (actions reveal my heart) to those who observe how I behave, more like Christ!

Father, will you forgive me for my reactions to people, and help me to see we are on this journey of becoming more like You and that means that I need You to teach me how to forgive and ask to be forgiven. These aren't easy lessons, Father, and my spirit is sometimes very wounded, but I want the transformation into Christlikness to grow and continue even if it hurts. Thank you for Your love and patience towards me, Your daughter who so often times blunders her way through life! I love You, Father and know you are working all things together (in my life) for good. Amen