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 pup’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 is not 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 means 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 was 60 at the time) that she expects to see the return of Jesus Christ. Wow, what a statement to make. This is quite remarkable, even as we see the face of America "change" 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" It just says it so succinctly, wouldn't you agree?

So the next time you think to yourself ah, that is 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 do not have a clue. Don't wait until you retire to do a mission outreach project. Why not 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 those children who desperately need a positive influence in their life? 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, frustration or confusion!

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 on 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 or taken advantage of 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!

It really takes a person that is mature in their walk to respond correctly--in love and with grace--in a situations like this. Most of the time we begin to rally the troops, spread the scenario around like jam so it gets good and sticky and makes the offender out to be a horrible person. Even though they really aren't horrible but have 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.)  In a particular situation, 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? Come on, that es 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 the fruit, "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 that I sure wish weren't there. Times where I opened my mouth and inserted my foot and wished I could take back what was said. You see, if we love God and love others then we need to take this new command and live it out, first with 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! This from Proverbs really speaks loudly to me

Proverbs 6:16-19 "There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans,feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers".

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 beleiver? I would like to think they see one who loves God and loves others. Not bringing shame to the offender and 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 a 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 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 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 right 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 went through this huge test--simply put--because I always think I know what's best for me! However, that can come with some troubles, and I am ashamed to admit it, because surely by now I should know better (not fun to admit I'm am a slow learner.)  But I am going to risk some vulnerability because I have a feeling that I am 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 somewhat humorous lesson and ponder its implications before you cautiously proceed.

Determination! That's me ever since I can remember. I have always been and still am a very investigative sort. Yes, that can be a great attribute 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 in my mind, 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 remember how vital it is to have a witness of agreement with two or more to help discern whether or not I am really hearing from God.

You would certainly think that a few hard lessons would reign in this young lass who stepped out into some pretty bizarre situations. Like leaving home at 13 and again at 15 (not to return the second time.) Argh! My younger years were strange years and I grew up rather quickly. Yes, I was rather impulsive. I have heard that 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 its baggage and consequences (and the deep pain in my heart) to the Lord.  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 some 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 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 this dog who was a darling little puppy that I totally obsessed over until I got her. You see, after having to put down our sweet old "Chelsey" dog of 13 some years ago, and then putting down our inherited Sheltie (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! 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, Kimberly 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 and continues to use this little dog to teach me some stuff! I have learned some vital stats about 'Kimberly', 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'.

She is pretty cute don't you think?

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.

• 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 literally went everywhere!)
• She had a horrible case of round worm--yuck--that we had to deal with including diarrhea issues for several months 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 finally made headway at 7.5 months and they are supposed to be EASY to train!)
• 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 is 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! 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 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 is is just taking too long?

Elsa and Patsy Cline

I have prayed that God has redeemed the jump-start girl once again and I know that He alone can bring beauty from ashes. Our Elsa is learning and is now grown up. She has matured 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!

Photo by MeddyGarnet

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, "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 12:10b "...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 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, the air began to clear and I soon began to know I was under His covering and able to again give back.

My hypothesis is simply that when we praise God we will diminish 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 upward, reflecting upon my most glorious King!  We all have those times when nothing seems to go as it should and simply put, we need to acknowledge that each day is a gift from our Father.  Let's rejoice in His faithfulness and allow His joy to fill us full to overflowing.   For it is then in our weakness, Christ steps in with grace and His strength and 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.