Category: Jeremiah

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More Than a Building

When you hear the word “church” what do you think of? Is it a building, an event or something more personal?

In this day and age, it has generally been accepted that “the church” isn’t just a building on the corner but is instead those who believe Jesus to be the Son of God, their personal Savior and soon coming King.

However, in years past, it had been the common conviction that a certain building was a holy place and it was there and there alone, that God could be worshipped…

Have you ever heard someone say, “Don’t do that in church or you shouldn’t act like that, you’re in church”? That person is holding a building in reverence. The true church is not made of brick and mortar but of living stones – people set apart and dedicated unto the Lord.

Dave and I had the privilege to hold Cowboy Church meetings at High School, College and Junior Rodeos for several years here in Arizona…Our gatherings were in arena grandstands, pastures, and open clearings next to a set of corrals. This is where the church came together for fellowship and worship.

We were at a Junior Rodeo in Florence, Arizona when I had a mother of one of the competitors tell me that their Youth Pastor had told the kids that if they truly loved the Lord they would have to give up rodeo because it stopped them from coming to church.  You can imagine my shock!

These kids attended every service; they brought their Bibles and listened attentively while the teaching was being given. Then they would leave and go compete in their events. They honored God at every rodeo.  I had one girl come to me crying when one of the services was over. Her horse had pulled up lame and she was beside herself with worry.

I asked if we could go look at her horse together. She took me to where it was. Sure enough, he couldn’t put any weight on his back left leg. There was no way she was going to be able to compete, or at least that is how it appeared.

I asked her a couple of questions – do you love the Lord? Do you know that God loves you? Do you think God is a good God?  She answered yes to all of them. Then I told her we were going to pray and ask the Lord to heal her horse and that I believed He would.

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever—forsake not the works of Your own hands.” Psalm 138:8 AMPC

“Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3 KJV

I explained these verses to her. Since she was concerned about her horse Psalms stated that God would make perfect the things that concern her. Then in Jeremiah, we are told to call on the Lord and He will show us great and mighty things. So, we were going to pray and tell the Lord what concerned her, ask Him to heal her horse and ask the Lord to show us great things.

We did and He did!

Now that my friend is having church. This young woman left the rodeo that weekend knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that God met her there. She knew He loved her and was involved with what concerned her. Her horse was healed, and she was able to compete, and she gave God all the glory!

We, followers of Christ, are the church and whenever we get together, He is present with us.

A lot has been said about limited gatherings during COVID but a virus can’t stop church. We can experience God’s presence camping, on the phone, through an email, streaming through the airways or with two or three friends.

The Church triumphant is alive, we are alive, and well!

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The Garden Maker

For a few years we lived in Spokane, Washington and our home was close to a wonderfully designed garden, Manito Park. There were ponds, rolling hills, large evergreens, a Japanese garden and a magnificent flower garden. At one time the garden had been the home of a small zoo.

Our daughters and granddaughter skated on the pond in the winter and sledded on the manicured hills. In the Spring and Summer the flower garden was brilliantly dressed in every shade of red, purple, yellow and blue. The walking paths were welcoming to all who came.

But the garden didn’t just come into being on its own. This 90-acre public park was designed in the early 1900’s and completed by 1912. A famous landscape architectural firm was commissioned to design the garden grounds. Since then the city of Spokane has kept the grounds as it was designed.

On any given day there are numerous grounds keepers and volunteers through out the park tending to the plants. The grounds keepers became the focus of my attention last night as I heard a discussion on the resurrection of Christ.

A woman named Mary went to the tomb, where Jesus had been laid, early on Sunday morning after the crucifixion. She was startled to find that Jesus body was no longer there. She was weeping in the garden and she encountered a man she presumed was the gardener and asked if he had taken Jesus body somewhere. She didn’t recognize Him as Jesus.

“The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?” She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. 15 Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.” 16 Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” John 20:13-16 CEV

Here was the One who had created all that was in this garden and she assumed He was just a grounds keeper. The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus laid aside His reputation when He came to earth. Jesus said that He came to minister to the needs of people and not to have the people minister to Him. This is certainly proof of that.

Can you imagine? The master designer of all of creation – sun, moon, stars, planets, oceans, waterfalls, flowers, trees, mammals, fish, birds – Creator of All and He took on a form so common that He could be mistaken for a gardener.

How often are we like Mary and don’t recognize Jesus working in our lives? We get caught up in our daily struggles, trying to fix things on our own when we have the Master Designer, Almighty God, our heavenly Father waiting to help us in any circumstance.

None of us could create the flowers we see in a garden. However, we can know the Creator personally. We can call Him Father and we can trust the plans He has designed for our lives. His plan for us is much greater than a flower’s design.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

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Saying Hello

Communication: Phone calls, voicemail, text, IM’s, Skype, Facetime, Zoom – WOW!

Communication has come a long way in the past 50+ years. I remember when I was a small girl there was a postage stamp container on my Grandma’s desk. It held one hundred, Lincoln four cent stamps. That’s all it cost to mail a letter. Next to the stamp container was a big black, desktop, corded, rotary dial telephone.

I also remember that “long distance” phone calls could only be made on weekends, preferrably Sunday afternoons or late in the evenings because the rate for the call was lower. Even then, they were only made once every two or three weeks. We were limited to how long we could talk to friends on the phone, there was no call waiting, so we couldn’t tie up the phone too long. The phone was centrally located, generally on a desk or the wall in the kitchen. No real private conversations. My husband’s memories of one of their first phones was a party line. Several households used the same phone line and you only answered calls that came through with your assigned ring pattern – one long ring, three short, two long rings with one short. You get the idea. And anyone on the line could listen in to your call.

Today, households all across America will be making calls and sending text messages to loved ones that aren’t able to be with us. I have one friend who said she was going to Facetime with her daughter and teach her how to make stuffing according to their family recipe.

We’ll see familiar faces although they are hundreds of miles away and take it all for granted. Making sure there is a strong signal and that batteries are fully charged seems to be the only real consideration.

I still know some old timers who still love to write letters instead of emails and make phone calls to speak personally instead of texting. But the communication I love the best is the one that is as close as my next breath or fills my heart when it is heavy and there seems to be no words.

Jeremiah, a prophet in the Old Testament, was locked up in prison when he had God speak to him. No low battery, lack of cell service, no dropped calls or full voicemail would prevent a call from going through.

“While Jeremiah was still shut up in the open space of the prison, the Word of the Lord came to him a second time, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord says Who made the earth. The Lord made it to last. The Lord is His name. 3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:1-3 NLV

No smart phone needed. No multi-gig data plan. No fee. Unlimited service.

Just want to say hello – call. Need direction – call; need help – call; need the miraculous – call; need a loving touch – call!

Call Him today, He’s waiting to show you the wonderful plans He has in store and I’m thankful for that!

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Take Time to Pray

Did you know there will be a prayer march in Washington D.C. today? Franklin Graham will lead a prayer march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building with several stopping places along the way for specific prayer.

I ask you to take time, whereever you are, to join in prayer with those in Washington.

If you’re like me, you have been praying for this Nation and our leadership for many months now. We are commanded to pray for those in authority.

“First of all, I ask you to pray much for all men and to give thanks for them. 2 Pray for kings and all others who are in power over us so we might live quiet God-like lives in peace. 3 It is good when you pray like this. It pleases God Who is the One Who saves. 4 He wants all people to be saved from the punishment of sin. He wants them to come to know the truth.” I Timothy 2:1-4 NLV

I don’t pray for one political party or another, nor do I pray just for the President. I pray for all members of Congress, the Supreme Court, Governors and local judges. I simply pray that all of our leaders will make just and righteous decisions; decisions that please and honor God as the founders of our nation intended.

And then I pray that we all honor the Lord with our actions and our words. How often do we pray for others to change but first and foremost we must be willing to conform to the person God has called us to be.

“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17 NLT

Some think of prayer as an action of last resort – a cry of desparation. That it can be! However, I see prayer as a time to talk with my Father telling Him my concerns and seeking His direction and answers. I’ve found it’s much better to get His direction instead of begging Him to get me out of a mess.

“‘Call to Me, and I will answer you. And I will show you great and wonderful things which you do not know.’” Jeremiah 33:3 NLV

Will you join me today in praying for our Nation? Let’s follow the instruction of the Apostle Paul and “Pray without ceasing”.

AMEN!

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When You’re In Trouble…

Everyone of us will face trouble. No one is exempt. What a great thought to start your day, right?

I have good news!

No matter the circumstance, no matter the obstacle God has the answer. For years, I have reminded myself that there is no problem too little to take to the Lord. After all, what is a monumental problem to us is really quite small when compared to His ability.

“God is our safe place and our strength. He is always our help when we are in trouble. 2 So we will not be afraid, even if the earth is shaken and the mountains fall into the center of the sea, 3 and even if its waters go wild with storm and the mountains shake with its action.” Psalm 46:1-2 NLV

What could we possibly bring to God that would cause Him to say, “Oh my, I didn’t think of that. I really don’t know what to do”? There is nothing, absolutely nothing, that is too large for our Him either.

“Lord God, with your great power you made the earth and the sky. There is nothing too hard for you to do.” Jeremiah 32:17 ERV

We should come to the Lord like a child approaches a loving parent. When we seek His help He will provide it. He won’t abandon us or tell us to go away and handle it on our own.

Sickness – financial hardship – physical danger – loss of employment or business – even death. None of these circumstances are bigger than our God or His love for us.

“Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. 15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron. 17 Some were fools; they rebelled  and suffered for their sins. 18 They couldn’t stand the thought of food,  and they were knocking on death’s door. 19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. 21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them.” Psalm 107:13-21 NLV

I have great faith in those verses, verse twenty has been one I have depended on for years. “He sent out his word and healed them”. God’s word is the place we find help. It tells us He will never abandon us or desert us. The truth of God’s word is unbreakable and unshakeable. It will stand forever.

So if you find yourself tapping out an S-O-S today or picking up the phone to dial 9-1-1 you can get all the help you need by making this call:

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” Jeremiah 33:2-3 MSG

Make the call. God is waiting to answer.

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The Treasure Hunt

This morning I decided to go on a treasure hunt and I wanted to take you along. I know that God’s word is more valuable to me than any amount of silver or gold. If I was asked to give up my Bible or access to Scripture for a million dollars, without hesitation I would turn it down.

I read an article about the treatment of Christians in China. The government is going in to impoverished areas, searching homes, removing crosses and pictures of Jesus from the walls and replacing them with pictures of Chairman Mao or President Xi. These are the homes of people who receive government welfare. If they refuse to comply they are being removed from the list of names that receive assistance. It’s the government or God. Many are standing strong and refusing to deny their faith. They need our prayers.

They have found a treasure and they refuse to let go.

So here are some of the verses that came to mind after reading that article. Verses that promise treasure, better than silver or gold, to those who are willing to search for it.

“If you cry out to know right from wrong, and lift your voice for understanding; 4 if you look for her as silver, and look for her as hidden riches; 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find what is known of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5 NLV

“The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are sinful and have done bad things. There is no one who does good. 2 God has looked down from heaven at the children of men to see if there is anyone who understands and looks (searches) for God.” Psalm 53:1-2 NLV

God is always watching for those who will search for Him and there is a promised blessing for those who do. God is not a narcissist; He’s not an ego-centric dictator. He’s a loving Father who wants to protect and provide for His children.

“But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.” Hebrews 11:6 CEV

This verse is in the chapter that many refer to as the Hall of Fame of Faith. It recounts the stories of men and women who abandoned all and sought God. Maybe you’ve heard of a few of them – Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab (a prostitute), Samson, Gideon, David. These all sought the treasure of knowing God and their lives were enriched and serve as a testimony to all of us.

“Ask, and you will receive. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And the door will be opened for everyone who knocks…But your heavenly Father is even more ready to give good things to people who ask.” Matthew 7:7-11 CEV

This is just part of the teaching Jesus gave on searching for the things of God. The promise is that everyone who searches will find. There are stories upon stories of men who have led expeditions on land and sea searching for treasure. They search for years and never find what they are looking for but always hoping that someday they will make a great discovery.

As Christians we don’t have to wait for the “someday” of discovery. Each day, as we seek to know more about our heavenly Father, we will find Him. He’s not hiding!

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

There is no greater treasure than finding a personal relationship with God, our Father!

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Where Do I Go?

Over the years I have had numerous friends tell me the different places they go to sense the presence of God. Some find that closeness sitting on a deserted beach, watching the waves come to the shore. Others have said that when they are sitting on the back of horse and feel its strength beneath them that they have a tangible sense of God’s presence.

And then I’ve been told that holding their sleeping child or grandchild heightens their awareness of the Father’s love. The mountains’ grandeur is a place that sparks some to focus on the greatness of our loving God.

Where do you go to find God’s presence?

As a young mother and someone who was just learning to hear God’s voice and sense His presence, my place was the clothes line. Strange as that may sound, it was my favorite place.

I remember the house so vividly. We lived on the corner lot, in a brick house with a carport and on the back patio was a laundry room with a washer and a deep sink but no dryer. At first I was disappointed to learn I would have to carry the laundry out to the backyard and pin them up on the line. To be truthful, I think I was grumbling with that first load and in my complaining I realized that I should be grateful for the clothes my family had to wear. I went from complaining to praising.

Those times at the clothes line were mine and the Lord’s. Occasionally one of the kids would come out to ask a question but no one wanted to stand out there and watch or help. It was my time – my time to have an uninterrupted conversation with my Father. I learned so much about His love and patience standing there in the sunshine and the “Sonshine”.

Let me ask again – where do you go to feel close to the Lord? It doesn’t have to be somewhere exotic or faraway. Abraham just walked outside and looked at the stars, Moses herded sheep on Mount Sinai, Peter went fishing and Paul went to prison. If we are looking for God, we WILL find Him.

“The angels were calling to each other, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord All-Powerful. His Glory fills the whole earth.” Isaiah 6:3 ERV

Wherever we are, anywhere that we go, if we look for the Lord we will find Him. His glory, power and presence fill the whole earth. And when we look for Him, we will find that He has a life of blessing planned for us.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT

Wherever we go looking for the Father, even to the clothes line, we will find Him if we look for Him with an honest and open heart.

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Congratulations Class of 2020!

I want to take this morning to say congratulations to all who are graduating this year. You did it!

Each one of you are unique and have talents and abilities that no one else does. Your perspective, sense of humor, compassion, strength and skills have made you one-of-a-kind. As parents, grandparents, educators, family and friends we want to encourage you as you continue on this road of life.

God made you complete; an individual who will add to this world and not take away from it. The person you are now and in the process of becoming is as distinctive as your fingerprints. Without you we would all be missing out.

Parents, from the time our graduates were born we guided them in their development. It was our job to nurture them and help them see their God-given talents. As this door on their education closes and they step out into a waiting world we know there is nothing common about them. They have a calling, a plan and a purpose that is exclusively theirs.

“‘I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.’ This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.'” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Trust God to direct your path; as you pursue His plan your lives will be filled with peace, protection and wisdom. He has designed this day from the beginning of time and He desires nothing but good for you.

Any plan that God designs is excellent. Trust Him with your future. You are valuable to your heavenly Father; it makes no difference your profession. We need you – trades persons, educators, first responders, professionals, ministers, musicians, bankers, clerks, artists, designers, homemakers – we need you all.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. 7 Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” Proverbs 3:5-8 NLT

We are celebrating you, the graduates, today. College, High School, Trade School, Junior High and yes, even kindergarten. God’s love and provision is never limited – not by age, class, race, gender or education. He has made a promise to each and everyone of us – He will never leave us or abandon us – never!

Go with God! Follow His path.

Congratulations!

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Going South

Many in the continental U.S. like to travel south every year. We call them winter visitors. This year some of them stayed longer than expected because they felt it wasn’t safe to head home. There was so much uncertainty – would they be jeopardizing their health, would there be a safe place to stay while on the road, could they fly safely. So many questions.

We should all ask these same questions about life in general. Our daily routine needs to be taken to the Lord in prayer and He will guide.

Years ago when we were young in faith and learning to listen to the Lord’s voice we had a cowboy preacher, a dear friend, tell us this: “If God says go South, He will provide; If you go North you’ll think you died!”

Now that’s not scripture but it is Biblical. Solomon put it this way: “Trust the LORD completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. 7 Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the LORD and stay away from evil. 8 If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.” Proverb 3:5-8 ERV

And then this one: “Turn to the LORD for help in everything you do, and you will be successful. 4 The LORD has a plan for everything.” Proverbs 16:3-4a ERV

God has a plan for each day – it doesn’t really matter what the activities are in the day He has a plan! Some days His plan is to change our plan, His plan is better.

When we listen, He speaks and when we follow His leading we are blessed! We have a choice – it would be silly to lean to our own understanding since following Him is the right way to go and His wisdom is perfect.

“Today I am giving you a choice. You may choose the blessing or the curse. 27 You will get the blessing if you listen and obey the commands of the LORD your God that I have told you today. 28 But you will get the curse if you refuse to listen and obey the commands of the LORD your God. So don’t stop living the way I command you today, and don’t follow other gods that you don’t know.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28 ERV

Trust the Lord today. He loves us and His desire for us is good!

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the LORD. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:11-12 ERV

Go South today – He will provide!!!

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Are You Thirsty?

A number of years ago we lived in the panhandle of Idaho. We had one particular summer that was very dry. The catch ponds were drying up and the springs were only a trickle.

One afternoon the dogs put us on alert and when we looked out our windows, this is what we saw. A cow moose had wandered into our yard with her twins in search of water. Our sprinklers were running and they provided the much needed water that she was seeking. After they drank their fill, they rested in the shade of the tall pines. At first she was very cautious, looking about after every sip and then as her calves rested quietly, she found rest herself.

Have you been that thirsty, thirsty for God? Thirsty enough to “search” outside your comfort zone? To be willing to leave the familiar way of doing things and to find the answers you need in God’s word?

God asked Abraham to leave his family and his homeland. His descendants were the originators of the Jewish race. Ruth left all and followed after Naomi to a new land where God blessed her with a husband and a child. Christ was in their line of descendants. Peter left his fishing nets to follow Christ. Paul gave up his prestige as a Pharisee to follow Jesus and preach His word.

“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” Psalm 42:1-2 ERV

When we seek God, we will find Him and we will find that He fills our lives with so much more than we ever dreamed possible.

“Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will let you find me.” This message is from the LORD.” Jeremiah 29:12-13 ERV

Jesus ministered to a crowd on a hillside one day and he told them. ““Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. 8 Yes, whoever continues to ask will receive. Whoever continues to look will find. And whoever continues to knock will have the door opened for them. 9 “Do any of you have a son? If he asked for bread, would you give him a rock? 10 Or if he asked for a fish, would you give him a snake? Of course not! 11 You people are so bad, but you still know how to give good things to your children. So surely your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him.” Matthew 7:7-11 ERV

God is loving, kind and gracious and when we seek Him we will find that to be true. He put all of our punishment and judgement on Jesus so that we could have a wonderful relationship with Him.

“When anyone is in Christ, it is a whole new world. The old things are gone; suddenly, everything is new! 18 All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between himself and us. And God gave us the work of bringing people into peace with him. 19 I mean that God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold people guilty for their sins. And he gave us this message of peace to tell people.” II Corinthians 5:17-19. ERV

Someone needs to know today that God isn’t mad at you! He loves you and if you seek Him, you will find Him waiting with arms of love open wide. Seek for Him like that momma moose who came to our yard seeking water.

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