Taking Some Time Off

I'm taking a few weeks off from blogging to enjoy the summer with my family and work on some deadlines. I'll be back soon!

Friday Reflection

"The LORD is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him,
and I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him."

Psalm 28:7

Early Will I Seek You

I used to be an early riser. I just couldn't help myself. Maybe it was the cartoons calling when I was a kid or the hope of a new day with each new sunrise when I was older. In summer time it was the same thing. It was great getting up before the heat set in. The earth seemed to crackle awake as the sun began to warm everything up, and I wanted to be first to enjoy every minute of it.

I've noticed as I get older that it's becoming more difficult to spring out of bed so easily. My body seems to be a bit more tired, and I appreciate the few extra minutes I can spend in the covers. But when a friend told me of her challenge to wake up early each morning to do her Bible reading (especially when all her life she hated getting up early), I wanted to be an active supporter. I wanted to get up at 5 a,m., too, to do my own Bible reading, and to pray that my friend can accomplish her goal of changing her morning habits.

To be honest, it hasn't been as easy as I thought. Oh, I get up all right; but I'm sooo tired. But I do it anyway. I want to hear the Lord without the distractions of my kids home for summer vacation. I want to spend more than my normal 15 minutes reading my Bible each day. If it takes 3 weeks to start a new habit, I'm about a third of the way there. I know eventually it will be easier, so I just have to be persistent until it all clicks together.

In the meantime, I'm really hearing from the Lord. I started a prayer journal, writing a bit of my thoughts before I open my Bible. It has really been a blessing. Then, I do a bit of research into some of the key words, which has really wowed me a couple of times with how much God wants to speak to us through His Word.

Are you hearing from the Lord clearly? Maybe you need to seek Him early, too. You will be greatly blessed by your time.

A Patriotic Friday Reflection

In honor of the 4th of July this Sunday, my Scripture for today is the same one that is found on the Liberty Bell that rang to proclaim our freedom from England on July 8, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was read to crowds in front of the Pennsylvania State House (now known as Independence Hall):

"Proclaim liberty throughout all the land
unto all inhabitants thereof."
Leviticus 25:10

Reminders

We are a people of limited memory. Sure, we may be good at remembering numbers or vast pieces of trivia. But how often do we remember how much God loves us, or how He has promised to never leave us or forsake us?

When times are going well, I remember how awesome He is. But often in those difficult and trying times, I admit I forget about all those instances (and, boy, there are many!) when God has come through with flying colors. We can trust His promises found in the Bible. Since God cannot lie, we can be assured that our needs will be taken care of, we will never be alone, and His grace is sufficient.

How about you? Do you need some reminders every now and then on just how wonderful God is? Grab your Bible. Read through His promises, and then rejoice!

Trust. Believe. Expect.

It's hard to stay focused and encouraged when life throws curve balls. We see engulfing situations instead of hopeful solutions. Part of that is because we can't see the end results. Our minds can't comprehend how things could possibly be worked out. But we need to hold on. We need to remember that the God who makes the sun rise and set each day, who made manna come down from heaven, and who created all things, loves you and is working on the best possible outcome.

What must we do? Trust, believe, and expect. Like the father whose child was demon possessed said to Jesus, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24) And the Lord did great things for that family!

Friday Reflection

"To You, O my Strength,
I will praises;
for God is my defense,
my God of mercy."

Psalm 59:17

Keeping the Dust Away

It's amazing how quickly dust accumulates. You can wipe down a dresser or desk in the morning, and by afternoon there's another layer skimming the tops again. It seems like a never-ending process to keep things looking shining and clean.

This reminds me to keep my faith dust-free. Too much time away from my Bible and daily prayer can leave me with a layer of complacency and laziness. If I don't actively work to keep my faith alive and active, I will become weak and inefficient in my spiritual walk.

With all the distractions that our world has to offer, it's not easy to remain dust-free. But I want my faith to be strong, so I must make it a point to do all I can, with the help of the Holy Spirit of course, to keep in the Word and to keep Christ near and dear to my heart.

Friday Reflection

"Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!

There is no want to those who fear Him!"

Psalm 34:9

Recipe for Success

Yesterday my husband and I cooked a roast based on a recipe we saw on TV on one of the cooking shows. Our hard work paid off and we had a delicious meal that included some yummy gravy. But what if we hadn't followed the recipe? The roast may have turned out okay, but it wouldn't have been the delectable meal that was intended.

It's kind of like that with our relationship with God. He has designed the perfect recipe for our lives: accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Only this will bring us repentance and eternal life. Nothing else will do. We can try to fudge things to make our lives look good, but in the end, our lives have to pass a test, and that test is what we did with Jesus.

Are you looking for the perfect recipe for successful living? Try Jesus. You will be blessed with the most amazing results.

Friday Reflection

"Many seek the ruler's favor,
But justice for man comes from the LORD."

Proverbs 29:26

Let Your Light Shine

Are you a servant of the Lord? Do you try to live your life showing others God's love? Then why do you doubt that your life is affecting anyone? I've had those thoughts, even quite recently. But those are just lies from the enemy. If we are living for God, following His precepts, loving others as He wants us to love them, then we are in some way, shape, or form, being a blessing. It won't be to everyone; but it will be to someone who will see God working in and through us.

We may never know how our lives affect others. But God knows. He sets up our situations. He determines our interactions. He knows what we need, and what others who come across our paths need. All we have to do is live for Him and let His love shine through us.

Friday Reflection

"When the ways of the people please the LORD,
he makes even their enemies live at peace with them."

Proverbs 16:7 NLT

Support System

It was a bit windy yesterday afternoon. As I watched the trees swaying back in forth, I started to think of how strong wind gusts can get. Trees have been uprooted. Branches have snapped off. But those trees with deep penetrating roots seem to hang on. Their support system has kept them anchored in place.

That's why I'm glad I have an excellent support system. I'm rooted in Christ. His foundation is solid and cannot be swayed by chaos or disasters or tragedies. With Him I have strength, comfort, and peace. Those situations fall apart all around me, I have His promises and love to sustain me. I have hope for a better tomorrow.

Are you looking for something to keep you planted in the midst of a crazy world? Turn to Jesus.

Friday Reflection

"Those who are planted in the house of the LORD
Shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bear fruit in old age;
They shall be fresh and flourishing,
To declare that the LORD is upright;
He is my rock,
and there is no unrighteousness in Him."

Psalm 92:13-15

Consistent

The weather lately has been pretty unpredictable. Several weeks back we had unexpected rain. Then we thought all that was over as the warmer weather seemed to settle in with temps in the 80's. Today, we're supposed to have a high of 66, and there's a chance of rain for tomorrow. And it's the middle of May! There's no consistency right now.

But that's the world. The only thing we can depend on is that the sun will rise and set each day. We never know what our days will bring.

Thankfully we have a God who is totally consistent. His love for us will never change like the weather: hot one minute and cold the next. It is constant, unchanging, and unconditional. When trouble times come, He is the One we need to cling to because He is as unmovable as a mighty mountain. He is our fortress and our strength.

Are you worried about the circumstances around you that are as crazy as the weather? Turn to the everlasting God Who loves you beyond measure and Who will be your comforter, strength and shield.

Friday Reflection

"So Samuel said, 'Has the LORD as great delight
in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
As in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
And to heed than the fat of rams.'"

1 Samuel 15:22

Saturated

My son is currently working on an art project for school where an entire 12"x12" sheet of paper needs to be covered with pictures. There can be no white spots at all. The project has to be completely saturated. It has taken him a lot of time, and a lot of colored pencils, to get it done.

The final picture is impressive. But it is very crowded because of the requirements of the piece. I couldn't imagine living in that world where every inch is filled with something bumping into me all the time. I like a little space. Yet, when I think about it, our lives are saturated with worldly ideas that can be harmful to us if we aren't careful. We need a little space from the world; and that comes with our faith.

God is our buffer zone, protecting us from the outside world that threatens to infiltrate the safe havens that the Lord's peace brings us. If we ignore our fellowship with the Lord, then our defenses are weakened. If we take the time to read God's Word, pray, and worship, then we can only grow stronger in our faith, which allows us to ward off the ideologies that threaten to crowd us in.

Are you living in an overly saturated world? Try spending some time with the Lord. He'll give you that free space you need.

Don't Focus on Feelings

Our emotions can get the better of us. Our minds can cloud with thoughts that are often unsubstantiated just because our feelings get in the way. It is at these times that we really need to trust God with all that's going on in our lives. We need to give Him our problems, fears, and concerns, and ask Him to renew our minds so we do not follow by feelings.

A great verse I often use during those times when feelings and emotions conflict with reason is from Philippians 4: 6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Notice that not only our hearts, but our minds will be guarded. What a comfort!

Are you having troubles with your emotions? Are your feelings getting in the way? Give your cares to Jesus so that your mind will have peace.

Friday Reflection

"Until the time came to fulfill His word,
the LORD tested Joseph's character."

Psalm 105:19 NLT

Reinforcements

My daughters have been creating drop boxes for a school science project. They have to design something using household items that will keep an egg from cracking when it is dropped in a container from a great height. It's fun to see their creativity. One daughter is using a box full of socks to provide padding, while another is using an old scarf inside of another box.

It's too bad we don't give such forethought to protect our faith. We let so many influences bombard us instead of putting up strong barriers to keep us strong and secure. When we don't take the time to pray and worship and read our Bibles, we allow weaknesses in our defenses that can buckle in time.

If you find yourself in a frail position, reinforce your faith with a healthy dose of praise, prayer, and petition. Soon you'll find your faith restored and strengthened and ready for whatever comes your way.

Stepping Out

We are to walk by faith, not by sight. This often isn't easy, but it is a necessity in the Christian life. But how do we know we are heading in the right direction? How do we know we haven't sidestepped accidentally along the way?

We can ask the Lord. As we step out in faith, we can pray for the Lord's direction, asking Him to open or close the doors we are heading through. If we do this in total trust, I believe He will honor our faith in Him and lead accordingly. It's when we aren't willing to follow and are not willing to check ourselves along the way that we get into trouble.

Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." This is straight from God's word. The Bible is His inspired Words to us. So we can believe that He will direct if we give Him the honor He deserves.

Have you hesitated to step out for fear of following the wrong way? Ask the Lord to help you trust Him so He can lead the way.

Friday Reflection

"By awesome deeds in righteousness
You will answer us,
O God of our salvation,
You who are the confidence
of all the ends of the earth,
And of the far-off seas..."

Psalm 65:5

Stirring of the Heart

When God calls me to do something, He often "stirs" my heart with an idea. I could be minding my own business about life in general, but then a thought pops into my head. It's often about something I would never seriously consider, but the more I try to push it out of my mind, the more it keeps coming back.

It's at those moments when I know it's time to seriously pray. I ask, "Is this of You, Lord? And if it is, can you confirm it to me, because that is not something I was planning on doing?" And, in time, I do get a confirmation. And then I pray for enablement, because often it's doing something I feel ill-equipt for.

I'm not alone in this stirring, either. I know many Christians who have felt God tugging at their heart about something. And the Lord is persistent, too. That pulling does not go away easily. If we truly want to do the Lord's will in our lives, then we need to listen to His call and obey with willing hearts.

The wonderful thing, though, is that when we do listen and obey, we feel fulfilled. That's how it was when I felt God calling me to write. I questioned, asked for confirmation, and when I received it, and began to write, I felt fulfilled.

Is God stirring your heart to action of some kind? Listen, ask, and then obey. You won't be sorry!

The Hidden Things

My tennis shoes have been making noise. I thought perhaps it was the laces, but this noise was different. It sounded more like a rattling sound. So I took off my shoes and examined them. Then I noticed that the bottom had little slits in them, and it was in these slits that I found about a dozen little pebbles that had embedded themselves into my shoes, causing the elusive sound.

It's amazing to think that all those pebbles had found their way inside, merely by slipping in undetected. It reminds me of little sins that don't seem much at first, but after awhile they accumulate and start to make themselves more noticeable to the point they become a nuisance. In order to get rid of them, we must thoroughly examine ourselves, find the source of entry, and purge them from our lives. This can only come through God's grace and redemption.

Are there some hidden things in your lives that are causing noise? Ask the Lord to forgive you and heal you so that you can obtain peace.

Friday Reflection

"People who despise advice
will find themselves in trouble;
those who respect it
will succeed."

Proverbs 13:13

Giving God a Chance to Move

Years ago things took time to accomplish. Phone calls weren't always answered because a person was out of the house. Food was prepared slowly. Shoes and clothes were handmade. Mail took weeks to deliver across country. In today's world we can reach a person's cellphone in seconds. We can be in and out of the drive-thru line in minutes. Machines make our clothes and shoes. And mail can reach the other side of the country in one day. We expect immediacy.

But God doesn't work that way. He takes His time. We can get frustrated. We can pace all we want. But shouldn't we just wait for Him to move? If He's in control of everything, then His timing is perfect, and all we do is waste energy waiting for Him to fit our timetable when that isn't going to happen.

So next time you make a request of God, give Him some time to work. It will save you loads of frustration and stress.

From Just a Seed

I spent a few hours this past Friday trimming our overgrown tomato plant. What I find amazing is that I started this plant a year ago from seed. I never thought we'd have such a hardy plant. It had sprouted well, but when I transplanted it to a bigger pot, it didn't flourish. I worked again and again, trying everything from digging around the soil to watching my watering techniques. But even though the plant was alive, it wasn't growing.

Next, I replanted it into a much bigger pot. It grew some more, but I had no tomatoes growing. Finally, out of desperation, I planted it in my backyard, paying my son to faithfully water it every day. Now I saw growth. Flowers began to form, and eventually we had some wonderful tomatoes. When winter hit, and we had our chilly (for California) nights, I thought the plant would die. But no! Up until January we had homegrown tomatoes.

I hadn't trimmed my plant until the other day. But I had watched it spring forth and grow beyond all comprehension. Isn't that like faith? It starts small, but if it's nurtured, watered, trimmed, and cared for, it will grow abundantly. It will produce wonderful fruit that others can enjoy, even when one would not think it would.

So don't hesitate to share your faith. You may be planting a little seed that will eventually grow into beautiful fruit.

Friday Reflection

"Won't You revive us again,
so Your people can rejoice in You?"

Psalm 85:6

The Comfort of God's Word

I find great comfort in reading God's Word, especially when life doesn't seem so nice and rosy. There are wonderful verses of hope and encouragement and promise within those 66 books. The Psalms are probably the most sought after for comfort. Most were written by David whose life was filled with ups and downs, doubts and triumphs. He knew first hand about trusting in God when there seemed no possible means of help. Yet time and again he called out to God, knowing with confidence that his requests would be answered.

Are you having a tough time right now? Do you feel as if all has abandoned you? There is hope in God's Word. Open it, read it, trust it. It will change your life.

Praying for Our Country

Our country needs a lot of prayer. We are struggling in our economy and in our morality. I was reading Psalm 80 the other day and I realized that even though this psalm was originally for the nation of Israel, it applies to our nation today. This should be our prayer at this present time.

Take a moment to read Psalm 80 and put in the United States instead of Israel. And then pray the psalm that the Lord could heal our land!

Praying for Your Children

I pray for many things for my children. But one thing that tops the list is that they will know that God is real -- that He will make Himself evident to them in some way, shape, or form. The cool thing is that I see it working. I see them wanting to draw closer to God. My oldest son especially has been telling me he has been praying more often. He thinks it's strange that he's doing this all of a sudden. I think it's an answer to prayer and a fulfilled promise of Scripture, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8a).

Are you praying for your children? Have you thought about how you should be directing your prayers? The most important thing is their relationship with the Lord. Everything after that is extra.

True Sight

I've needed reading glasses ever since I was in 7th grade. I was such an avid and voracious reader, and I read in all kinds of lighting conditions, that I'm sure I strained my eyes. As I age, I notice that my vision is getting worse, especially in low-light situations. You should see me reading labels in the market! I rarely think to bring my glasses in the daytime, and the supermarkets don't have the best light, so I have a difficult time reading that small print.

There are many times when I refuse to wear my glasses because I don't want to feel as if I "need" them. Such stubbornness. Of course, I wear them at the computer and at night when I drive, but I rarely take them to my writers' group or at a talk or book signing (well, actually, I do take them -- I just don't wear them). I know I'll have to come to terms with this soon. I don't want to make my eyes any worse than they already are.

Sometimes people are this stubborn when it comes to their relationship with God. They want to do things their way, trying to evaluate life through their own eyes, instead of looking at it through the sharpness and perfection of God's vision. But that's not true sight, is it? Since life is God's creation, then we, as His creations, need to look at life His way.

Are you looking at life with blurred vision? Be honest with God. Acknowledge that you need some optical help, and then He can start giving you true sight so you can better see the world.

Good Friday Reflection

"But God demonstrates His own love towards us,
in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8

There is no greater love, no greater sacrifice, than Christ's death on the cross. When we accept this sacrifice, acknowledging that our sins deserved death, but Christ substituted himself for us, saving us from total separation from God, then we are washed clean and made brand new.

Don't you want a clean slate? You can only get that through Jesus.

Automated Calls

The majority of the calls we've been receiving lately have been automated. The phone rings, we pick up, we hear a brief pause, and then the message starts. Most of them have been from the schools our children attend, reminding us of an upcoming meeting or a vacation schedule. Some of the calls have been confirmations for upcoming dental appointments. Pretty soon we'll get calls from political candidates as the primaries draw near.

I'm still undecided if I like these automated calls. The pros are that I don't actually have to talk to anyone, I just have to listen. The cons are that I have to keep answering the phone when a real person isn't on the line.

Then there are those calls where a live person starts talking, telling you to hold on so you can hear a recorded message, and then to hold on afterward so he or she can get your response. I often hang up for those because I don't have time to listen to some messages, and I know they're going to ask me for money.

I wonder if our prayers sometimes seem like automated calls to God. Repetitive prayers are often rote responses. Yes, some prayers, especially the Psalms are beautiful and have wonderful meanings; and yes, there are times when I've prayed the Psalms as my own prayers because those words say what's in my heart. But if all we do is say the same thing over and over to God, without any true praise and thanksgiving and petitions thrown in, then we might as well record a message and use that for our prayers.

True prayer needs to be a personal call to God our Savior. It needs to be from the heart. He is interested in what we have to say. He wants true fellowship; and that comes when we honestly seek Him and earnestly call out to Him.

Are your prayers becoming too automated lately? Show God you really love Him by giving Him some real prayers from the heart.

Acknowledging the Great I AM

One of the verses I love to say when I pray is Psalm 8:9, which says, "O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth!" I use this to give glory to my LORD and my God. It is to acknowledge the greatness of Who He is, and to stir my heart to give Him the total praise He most definitely deserves. This verse also puts me in an attitude of praise so I can focus on what a wonderful God I have Who loves me far beyond what my puny mind can comprehend.

We need to acknowledge God. He deserves our praise. What Bible verse do you use to honor Him?

Finding Strength

Where do you draw your strength from? Do you pull it out of something deep within you? Do you find it by sheer willpower? Do you rely on the strength of others?

True strength is found in God. He is the source of all strength. When I'm struggling or fearful or anxious, I turn to the Lord for comfort and strength.

Psalm 18:32 says, "It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect." Isaiah 26:4 says, "Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength."

Are you lacking in strength? Ask God to sustain you and build you up.

Speechless

Has God ever done something amazing for you? Of course, salvation is absolutely amazing, where the King of kings and the Lord of lords personally came down to earth to save each of us from our sins. But I'm talking about an event that happened to you as a believer, where God did something just way beyond your comprehension. It leaves you speechless, doesn't it.

But it's at those speechless moments when we need to give glory to God; where we need to just praise Him and worship Him and thank Him that He loved us so much to bless us in such an unique and wonderful way.

God will leave you speechless at various times in your life if you are living for Him. Be amazed. Be blessed. But most importantly, be thankful that you have a God who loves you individually and wants to wow you with speechlessness.

Reflection

"My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation'
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved."
Psalm 62:5-6

No matter what life throws at us, we need to trust in God and let Him be our refuge. With Him, our foundation is solid and nothing can knock us out of His hand.

On Your Knees

There are times when you need some intense one on one time with the Lord. You may be experiencing a heavy trial, or there is a big decision you need to make. Whatever it is, you need to get on your knees and ask the Lord for direction.

This isn't your regular every day prayer time. This is: "I have no other solution in the world, but to turn to You" time. You may even feel called to fast as you pray, showing just how serious you are. And when you do pray, make sure you lay everything at His feet: your hopes, your troubles, your fears, your doubts, your inhibitions, your failures. Then make sure you are open to hear what God is telling you, even if He shows that you may be part of the problem.

We need to be honest and open before God. Although He knows everything, our straight-forward communications help draw us closer to Him as we show we need His wisdom, comfort, interaction, and strength in our lives.

So when a difficult time comes, get down on your knees and lay it all out on the altar. God will answer as you wholeheartedly seek His will.

But Is He Real?

I think people have issues about God and faith because they think in terms of fantasy and fairy tales. They read stories about Noah's Ark and the parting of the Red Sea, about manna coming down from heaven, and Joshua granted extra hours in a day so he could continue to battle. These things can't be true, can they? Absolutely! There are mounds of evidence to support the truth of these Biblical claims. I will not go into details here, but check out www.answersingenesis.org and www.alwaysbeready.com to name just a few places to do some research.

So, if the Bible ends up being reliable in its claims, then can't the God of the Bible be true? Of course. And God gives you a way to test Him. In Jeremiah 29:13, God says, "And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." If you really want to know if God is real, then wholeheartedly ask Him to reveal Himself to you. If He is truly God, He will have more than adequate means to show you Who He is.

The question is: Are you up to the challenge? It's easy to know the truth. Just ask God for it.

Reflection

"Then he [Moses] said to Him, 'If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.'" Exodus 33:15

If only we would put this Scripture into practice and be willing to stay put until we knew God was in whatever we were doing. Something to think about!

Looking Beyond Our Comfort Zones

I'm more comfortable working behind the scenes than I am center stage; yet God seems to feel differently. With my new book out, I have to be available for talks, signings, and school visits. They're fun and scary at the same time, mainly because deep down I'm still a bit shy. But I know this is what God is calling me to do, and so I pray for boldness, peace, and for the right words as I meet new people.

God often shakes our world and moves us from the comfortable to the sometime slightly uncomfortable, to the downright "I don't like this at all!" But He has His reasons. Maybe it's because we are to be that light in the darkness. Or there is someone who steps into our life that needs a bit of encouragement. Or maybe something you say will help a person make the right decision. Whatever it is, God has you where you are, in the perfect span of time. It is no accident.

So when you find God putting you somewhere you didn't quite expect to be, go with the flow. Ask Him to show you what you are to do while you're in your current situation, and then try to be a blessing and a witness to those you interact with. You may come away learning some valuable lessons yourself while helping someone else.

Terms of the Contract

Most major sales purchases, agreements, or business dealings require a contract. By definition it is a agreement by two or more individuals or groups that is generally written down and is enforced by law. A contract is a serious document because, based on your signature, and that of others involved, you are agreeing to follow the exact specifications or terms of this agreement with consequences to those who fail to keep their part of the bargain. A contract is not to be taken lightly.

We have a contract with God when we become Christians. We are agreeing that we recognize He is our Lord and Savior, and that we will follow His terms, not our own. This means that we are not to engage in actions that are contrary to His word: no sex before marriage, no looking with lust at another person other than your spouse, no lying or cheating or stealing, no drunken and disorderly behavior, no murdering (including that child within your womb), no putting anything before God (family, career, objects, etc.). When He is our LORD, these do not seem like outrageous requirements, because our love for Him tells us we need to obey, not only through our words, but by our actions.

God calls us to be Holy because He is Holy. We are not to live for ourselves, but for Him. Therefore, we must not pick the parts of our contract that we want to obey. We need to obey all the terms set before us.

Be honest. Are you keeping with the Terms of your Contract with God? If not, then you really need to consider if He is truly your LORD.

It's a Juggle Out There

No, I didn't mistype my title. I really meant to use the word "juggle," because that's how I feel my days have been lately. I feel like I'm tossing this and that up in the air, trying to get several things done at the same time.

It's been very busy trying to balance new schedules, activities, and projects. I'm a writer, chauffeur, confidante, tutor, and cook, among other things. It seems I'm accumulating more hats these days. So how do I handle all this juggling? I pray.

I couldn't balance and keep track of all this alone. I need help. And that help comes from God. When I give Him my cares and concerns, and even my schedule, He can help me keep on track. There will be times when He will move me to step back from something. And there will be times when God will tug at my heart to show me there is something I need to do. All I need to do is to recognize He is God, I'm not, and when I let Him lead, I will be much happier.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the LORD will all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." I don't have to juggle my life's issues alone. God wants to help me. Are you willing to trust Him to help you balance out your life?

Allowing the Lord to Lead

Are you a backseat driver? Do you make a comment whenever another person drives? Do you do the same with God?

As a Christian we are supposed to let the Lord lead, but often we end up grabbing the wheel because we don't like how He's driving. We think we know a better way or a better solution out of the problem we are in. We think our answers are best. But if we are honest, we know that we can get ourselves into some sticky situations because we didn't want to be guided God's way.

We need to pull over and let God take control. We need to pray, submit to His authority, and then follow His directions. When we do, we can be sure we will get to our destination in one piece, gleaning some fine lessons along the way.

"The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
And He delights in his way."
Psalm 37:23

Dependent or Independent

In our society we are taught that it's good to be independent. We are taught to stand on our own two feet, to be responsible for our actions, and to succeed on our own behalf. But, although it is good to not slack in our responsibilities and to pull our own weight, we many times fail to recognize that we are to be dependent on God.

When we claim that God is our LORD (note the capital letters), then we submit to His authority. He is the One who is supposed to call the shots of our lives. We aren't supposed to be in the driver's seat or be a backseat driver; He is the One who is supposed to guide and lead, and we are to follow.

Being dependent on God is a good thing. It shows that we recognize we are a created being, not the one in charge. And it keeps us from getting ourselves into trouble based on pride and arrogance when we say we know what's better for us.

So toss out the world's idea of independence, and acknowledge your dependence on God.

The Music in Me

I was in a clothing store the other day, looking for a pair of jeans and a blouse. This was the first time I had gone to this store, but I had heard they had some really great deals. And I wasn't disappointed with the many selections. However, I was shocked by some of the music playing in the background. The words of one particular song was very x-rated, and I had my young daughter with me! Is nothing sacred any more? No wonder kids have a hard time with morals. Their heads are filled with a lot of junk.

In my car we listen to Christian music. My kids love the songs. They know most of the words, and when they listen they are filled with hope and truth. My son's ipod contains many of those same songs. And he paid for those tunes!

Music has such a strong influence on people. That's why it's important to watch what we put into our heads. Should we purposely allow garbage to go in when God's Word says, "And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14c)" I'd rather have something positive, like good Christian music. It helps me praise my Lord, and it makes me remember Who it is I serve. I really like this music in me!

Blessings

I had a wonderful book signing this past Saturday. It was the first one for my new book, The Declaration of Independence from A to Z, which was held at Blue Chair Children's Books in Glendora, California.

The Lord blessed me with great weather (it had rained the night before, so the weather was beautiful), a perfect location at a very cute children's store in the old town district, a wonderful hostess and owner, and lots of family and friends and friendly people who came in to buy my book. We actually sold out!

The night before, though, I had gotten nervous because I didn't know what to expect. There were too many unanswered questions. My heart was stirred to pray. I felt overwhelmed, not at what could happen exactly, but just the amazing opportunity that God had opened up for me. I needed to pray to thank Him for His blessings.

There is a perfect Scripture for what I was feeling. It was a prayer by King David when God had blessed him with so much. He said, "Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that you have brought me this far?" (2 Samuel 7:18) I got on my knees and prayed this, because, frankly, I was, and still am, overwhelmed by all that God has done for me in my short writing career.

What is the secret of my success? Following God's leading in everything. I gave Him my writing career from day one. And He has blessed. Thank you, Lord!!

Open

Are you open to the plans God has in store for you? Or are you afraid to take that step of faith even though you know God is calling you to do something beyond your comfort zone?

When we grow in our Christian faith, we will find that God will mold us and move us into areas we aren't always comfortable with. Perhaps He wants you to be more bold in your faith. Or maybe he wants you to reach out to someone you don't particularly like. Whatever it is, God has His reasons for stirring your heart into action. He hasn't made a mistake when He called you personally to take care of this situation. He knows you are capable because He is ready and willing to give you the resources you need. You aren't going in alone. All He asks is that you are open to His direction; that you are willing, in obedience, to be sold out for Him.

If we call Him "Lord" then we must submit to His will. He has promised never to leave us or forsake us. So if you know God is calling you to do something, be open to His leading. Then He will equip you to do far beyond what you ever expected to do for His glory.

Reflection

"They cried to You, and were delivered;
They trusted in You, and were not ashamed."

Psalm 22:5

A Salute

Today is Presidents' Day. Originally it was only about George Washington, our nation's first president. He set the standards for what a president should be like: a person of honor, dignity, and integrity; a person who tried his best to be the best leader he could possibly be, despite the differences of opinions of those he led.

Washington was a great role model. He is a tough act to follow. Hopefully on this Presidents' Day, people will remember that the character qualities that made Washington a hero, are those qualities we need to copy. If more Americans would follow his lead, and stand for the principles he held dear, we would be an even greater America than we are today.

Thank you, General Washington, for being a fine example for all Americans.

Time to Relax

I'm so looking forward to this weekend. It seems as if I've been inundated with a whirlwind of activity lately. Everywhere I turn there is something to do and somewhere to go. I really could use a bit of rest and relaxation. But is that even possible? Most of my activities revolve around transporting children and running errands. And with the kids home for 4 days, I can't even take a simple nap without the noise that a small household creates.

But it is necessary to take a break. Even Jesus took time off with His disciples to refresh and renew. We can get so caught up with life that we forget that our bodies need to be rejuvenated every so often. So, I will try hard to take off my shoes and just sit. I'll read a book, or maybe I'll draw some cartoons. Whatever I decide to do, I will use the time to relax and unwind, so I can be ready when the next week begins.

Surrender

One of the frustrating things about being human is that we're going to often repeat our mistakes. Even though we try our best, we still keep stumbling over something or other in our lives. It may be a bad habit we're trying to overcome, or a character flaw we're trying to correct, or even constantly dealing with anger issues. Whatever it is, because of our imperfections, we are destined to keep making those same errors many times.

But we don't need to feel like failures. As we surrender these things to the Lord, we, under the power of the Holy Spirit, will eventually be free. As we keep trying, we will overcome. It could take a long time, but if we want to follow Jesus, we are to daily deny ourselves, take up our crosses, and follow Him (see Matthew 16:24). Denying ourselves means surrendering our fears, inhibitions, failures, doubts, selfishness (the list is endless) to Him because He is God and He can handle all these things that we cannot and are not supposed to handle.

What areas of your life are causing you to stumble? Have you surrendered it to Jesus? It may be a daily effort to rise above these flaws and failings, but we can succeed as we daily turn it over to the Lord.

Spots

The Super Bowl has come and gone. Lots of money was paid to make those short commercial spots. But to be honest, I wasn't very impressed. Maybe it's because we've been spoiled with those classic ads such as being squashed by a pterodactyl for a Fedex ad, or that kid giving Mean Joe Green a Coke. Sure, the supposedly-controversial Focus on the Family ad, was very good, and I did enjoy all the spots for Doritos, but seeing a bunch of men walking around in their underwear, or the weird humor of the beer commercials was a bit much. But what can we expect when people are trying to promote things or services to make our lives happier and more productive?

The only thing that we really need is Jesus. He is the One who will bring us true happiness. When we submit ourselves to Him, He will make sure our needs are taken care of. He will allow us to fulfill His purposes, which will end up being the true desires of our hearts. And guess what? We don't have to pay for high class ads or high fees for these services. Accepting Jesus into our heart is free because He already paid the price for us when He died on the cross for our sins. All we have to do is to acknowledge that we need Him as our Savior, and that He is now our Lord.

Commercial spots won't really give us all we need, but Jesus will. Why don't you ask Him into your heart?

Hope

Do you know it's easy to find hope? All you have to do is open your Bible and start reading. Begin with the Psalms, or even with Genesis. You will see example after example of triumph over trial, hopefulness over hopelessness, victory over defeat.

The secret to hope is God. When we turn our lives over to Him completely, and I do mean completely, then we are covered by His protections, His promises, and His faithfulness. This doesn't mean we won't experience trials (Jesus said we would definitely have them); but we have the assurance that we do not go through them alone. The King of kings and Lord of lords is with us every step of the way.

Are you looking for hope? Your answer is God and you can read all about Him in the Book of hope, the Bible.

Realities

I got my copies the other day of my new book, The Declaration of Independence from A to Z. From start to finish it's been just shy of three years. It's now a reality; yet it almost seems like a dream. But what a blessing this is! God is so good. And to think I just started writing about eight years ago.

Sometimes we can't believe when our hearts' desires come true. Isn't that funny? Here we pursue these avenues and goals, but when it becomes a reality we're surprised by it. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts (as long as they are in line with His will). If we follow His commands, trust Him to lead, and give our all to Him and for Him, then we should not be amazed when He blesses.

I'm thankful to the Lord for this recent reality. Now I need to seek what goal He would have me pursue next!

How Do You Start Your Day?

How do you start your day? Do you start if off with a cup of coffee to get those eyelids open so you can slowly ease into your day? Or are you a scrambler, hopping out of bed at the last minute because you slept through all the snooze alarms. Or do you wake up with a smile, knowing that it's going to be a good day?However you wake up, I hope you are remembering to pray and to give the day to the Lord.

Personally, I like to start my day with my Bible open and my mind set on the Lord. I make sure I'm up before anyone else so I can have some uninterrupted time reading His Word. Then I get up and pray in my head as I get ready, asking the Lord to bless my husband, family, and friends, and to bless my day with whatever He has planned for me. I don't feel right if I haven't given God His time. It's almost like tithing my day: giving Him the very first part of it.

Now I know everyone can't start their day out like this, but there is always time to pray. We don't have to be prostrated on the floor or down on our knees (although there are definitely times when we do need to do this when we are in deep and earnest prayer to our God); we just need to have an attitude of prayer where we are conversing readily and are listening intently to what He has to say. This can be as we're driving to work, taking a shower, or running errands, or whatever free time we have where we can talk to God and share our heart with Him.

How do you start your day? I hope you're starting it with God in some way, shape or form, so He can direct your day.

Walking in Faith

Sometimes we just have to completely trust God. We have to surrender our fears and insecurities and follow Him by faith, even if the outcome seems doubtful. Abraham had to when God told him to leave his homeland and travel to the land of Canaan, a place unknown to him. He again had to trust God when the Lord told him to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac, even though he knew God was opposed to human sacrifices.

When Joseph was sold into Egypt, he had to trust God for his safety, provision, and well being. This was not an easy task, especially when he was thrown into prison for something he didn't do. But his faith was rewarded years later when Joseph was made 2nd in command of all Egypt.

Moses had to trust God to provide food and water for over a million Israelites when they left Egypt. David had to trust God to keep his promise to make him king, even though he was homeless and hunted down for many years. Mary had to trust God when the Holy Spirit came over her and made her pregnant in a land where adulterous women were stoned.

All these people had one thing in common in their walks of faith: they trusted God. Did they have doubts at times? Most likely. They were only human. But there must have been an indwelling of the Holy Spirit to carry them through the tough times until God's promises could be fulfilled.

As believers God calls us to trust Him and to walk by faith. We are not to look at our circumstances and the improbability of the situation, but we are to look at the Creator who tells us nothing is impossible with Him.

Going through a difficulty right now? Trust God. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit for guidance and strength, and then you'll be able to walk by faith wherever He leads.

Honest to God

Sin. It's the one thing that hinders our fellowship with God. Most of the time we can recognize our sins and confess them; but sometimes we are in denial and we try to pretend they don't exist. Over time, we feel distant. Our zeal for the Lord wanes a bit, and we find ourselves feeling that something is not right.

Because God loves us so much, He finds ways to make us acknowledge our sins. Sometimes it's through exposure or self-realization. Whatever method He uses, God confronts us with our sin and we must determine our course of action.

We can either continue to sin, which creates a further and maybe even permanent rift from God, or we can confess our sins. But our confession must be true. We need to be honest when we talk to the Lord. Sometimes that will bring tears as we lay our transgressions at His feet. But I promise you, when you are honest to God, He will bring healing and restoration. He will pick you up from where you have fallen, and He will bring blessing to your life.

Is sin keeping you from having a wonderful relationship with the Lord? Be honest to God so He can make you whole again.

Waiting

It isn't easy to wait sometimes, especially in our world of fast food drive-thru's where your order is already being handed out before you even reach the pick up window. But prayer requests aren't like that. Sometimes we have to wait a long time before God reveals His answers.

But if we truly trust God (and I admit that sometimes it is difficult to completely give up our fears and inhibitions), then we can trust that our waiting will not be in vain. His answer will come, and we may be surprised at the outcome. We might find ourselves being changed in the process.

If you read your Bible carefully, you will notice that everyone had to wait for God's timing. Joseph had been given a dream that his family would bow down to him, yet that wasn't fulfilled for many years when he was made second in command of Egypt. Abraham was told by God that his ancestors would own the entire land of Canaan, yet it didn't happen for hundreds of years. Genesis 3 talks about the promised Messiah, but He (Jesus) didn't arrive on the scene for several thousands of years after Adam and Eve's sin.

Waiting is part of God's plan. It gives us a time to prepare our hearts for God's answer. It isn't easy, but the sooner we hunker down and wait, with trust in our hearts, the easier it becomes.

The Psalms are a great source of encouraging words while you wait. A personal favorite is Psalm 27:14, "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"

God will answer our prayers. But sometimes we just have to wait.

Hidden

Because of our current rainy weather conditions, the line of cars to pick up kids after school have increased. I usually try to arrive early, especially on these inclement days, so I can get a good parking spot. But it is almost impossible picking up my oldest son because he gets out 15 minutes after my other kids, so all the choice parking spots are taken.

Yesterday was really bad. I had to park halfway down the block behind a car with tinted windows. Because I was so far away, my son didn't see me. He didn't think I was there at all, so he waited at the corner in the rain, feeling cold, wet, and forgotten. It wasn't until ten minutes later, as I finally pulled out and weaved my way through the heavy traffic, that he saw me, a look of relief on his face.

To my son, I was hidden. Because he could not see me, he thought I was nowhere to be found. Yet I was waiting there all along; just like God waits for us. Sometimes in our trials we feel alone and abandoned. We don't see God or feel Him, so we think He's left us. But that is never the case. God is always around. He's always within reach, but our attitudes or impatience or our sin keeps Him from our view. But it is easy to rectify the situation. All we have to do is call out to Him, and then we will be amazed that He was right there all along.

Water-Logged

We're not used to much rain in Southern California. The streets get flooded and there's always a chance of mudslides from the areas burned out by the summer fires. This week we are expecting rain every day; sometimes very heavy.

When you're sitting nice and cozy in a warm house, it doesn't matter if it rains all day. But when you have to drive through big puddles, or have to herd your children through a sea of umbrellas and in a steady downpour when that school bell rings, then it's no picnic. All you get is water-logged, and if you don't change out of your wet clothes when you get home, you can be sure you'll be getting a sore throat or the sniffles real soon.

Sometimes life hands us a series of trials and tribulations that leave us feeling soaked. Even though we've covered ourselves with prayer (an umbrella of sorts), sometimes the severity of the storm can still have an affect on us. We become weak, tired, and discouraged. But we aren't meant to be stuck in this "water-logged" condition. Just as with a rainstorm, these trials will pass. With consistent prayer and perseverance, the skies will clear and the sun will shine forth, giving us warmth and peace.

Are you getting water-logged with problems? Are you up to your ankle in tears? Keep praying. The Lord is not only walking by your side in the midst of the storm, but He is clearing the path ahead.

A Word of Hope for Those in Haiti

"The LORD replies, 'I have seen the violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them,
as they have longed for me to do.'"

Psalm 12:5

Don't Let the Enemy Get You Down

The devil hates Christians. He knows there is power in their prayers because those prayers go directly to the God of the universe. So the devil will do all he can to condemn, frighten, and discourage. The problem is, we often let him do this. He will cause us to doubt. He will cause us to question. He will cause us to waver in something we felt so strongly about just the other day. If he can keep us focusing on our problems or concerns instead of focusing on God, then he can do damage to our spiritual defenses.

When you start feeling those doubts or fears, or when you start to feel a bit insecure, get down on your knees and pray. Give God the problem. Tell Him your concerns. The stronger you feel these feelings, the more you need to pray. Fill yourself with His Word; draw comfort from His promises. Psalm 42:5 says, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."

Don't let the enemy get you down. Turn to the One who can uplift and give you strength and peace.

True Light

Are you a Christian? A true Christian? Have you asked Jesus into your heart, making Him your LORD and Savior? Do you follow His commands? Too many people who claim they are believers are in a sense "bench warmers." They only go to church because that was how they were raised, or that is just what is expected of them. Yet, their life does not shine with the light of Christ.

A true Christian will reflect the true light of Jesus. They will obey His commands, seeking His guidance daily. They live for Him, asking Him to mold and change them into the active followers He designed them to be. That means if there is sin in the camp, they are willing, although it may be hard, to remove it so they will not hinder all that God has planned for them.

Luke 11:35-36 in the New Living Translation states: "Make sure that the light you think you have is not really darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight is shining on you."

Is there a hidden sin, or even a more evident one, that is keeping your life from radiating the true light? Then confess it, ask God to work in your life to remove it, and then let Him shine through you!

Thought for the Day

"Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass."

Psalm 37:5

This Scripture is a current favorite because there are a few things I'm trying to commit to the Lord. My ultimate lesson: to trust God completely. When you do, don't be surprised at all the open doors and opportunities.

Putting the Pieces Together

How do you put a puzzle together? Do you work on groupings by color or do you start with the edges? I like to sort through and pull out all the end pieces, and then I start working on the frame. Next I match by color and shadings. I keep working and sorting and filling in until the puzzle is completed and I can see the entire picture.

Too bad our lives aren't that easy to work on. We may not see the entire picture until we are in heaven. But just like starting out with a frame on a real puzzle to have a base to start with, we need a frame, a foundation, to support us. That foundation is the Lord. He has a whole life planned out for us. He sees a beautiful and complete picture. We may only have the edges to start out with, but we have the assurance that as long as we follow Him, He will guide us to completion.

Let the Lord help you put the pieces of your life together. He has a wonderful picture designed just for you.

Wishing everyone a blessed New Year!