Category: July2021

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A Sudden Change

One thing we deal with in the mountains is the sudden change in temperature.

Yesterday Dave and I took a drive into Springerville, about 25 miles away from the campground. It’s a lower elevation so we expected the temperatures to be warmer on this beautiful summer’s day.

We spent a couple hours shopping, running errands and having lunch. As we left town to head back to the campground Dave glanced at the temperature on the dash and it said 97*. Within 10 minutes it had dropped to 74* and in another 5 minutes, when we were in a rain downpour, it read 58*. This was 40* of cooling in less than twenty minutes.

A sudden change for sure.

By the time we arrived back at the campground the rain had stopped and the temperature settled at 75*. Still a significant change. Things cool off quickly in the mountains.

But what about the temperature in our lives. How suddenly do they change?

Certain people have a way of changing my temperature. I can cool off quickly with some and with others I may reach a boiling point. Situations and circumstances have a way of bringing about a definite change.

Take a look at the Apostle Peter.

He is having dinner with Jesus and the other disciples and swears, yes swears, that he will always be loyal to Jesus. Everyone else may desert Jesus but he never will. Just hours later, in the garden, Peter tries to defend Jesus from the soldiers and wields a sword cutting off one of their ears.

Now fast forward another couple of hours. Peter is standing in a courtyard, warming himself by a fire when he is confronted by a servant girl. She accuses him of knowing Jesus. Peter has now cooled in his dedication and makes his first denial of knowing Christ. There will be two more times in this setting that Peter speaks forth denials.

At first he is red hot in his enthusiasm for the Lord and then there’s a sudden change brought on by circumstances and his commitment becomes cold.

Oh! How many times have I been like Peter? Around my christian friends my testimony was strong. My faith seemed monumental. Then in a different surrounding, among those I don’t know as well, my testimony cooled. That has happened more times then I would like to admit.

But here’s the good news. After Jesus rose from the grave he confronted Peter and forgave Him. He gave Peter a new mission. Jesus gave Peter the charge to feed the sheep, better known as Jesus’ followers. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter accepted that role and he never backed down again.

No more sudden changes.

“But the Holy Spirit will come upon you and give you power. Then you will tell everyone about me in Jerusalem, in all Judea, in Samaria, and everywhere in the world.” Acts 1:8 CEV

The Lord has given us the same power. My daily ambition is no more drops in my spiritual temperature. I desire to be fired up in my testimony. Burning brightly in what I say and do. How about you?

No more sudden changes!

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Free Advice

That expression, free advice, has always been a bit puzzling to me.

Advice comes from life’s experiences so, no advice is really free. It costs someone something. The person giving the advice has lived through an experience and learned a valuable lesson; the person receiving the advice is, most generally, facing similar circumstances and is in need of valuable insight.

Free advice.

The writings of Solomon in the book of Proverbs have much to say about gaining knowledge and wisdom. King Solomon gained wisdom from listening to his father, King David. King David is the one who wrote Psalm 119, the longest chapter in the Bible, but most importantly is the chapter that extols the value of following God’s word. He said that the word of God is lamp to light our paths and that God’s word brings life.

When Solomon became king he asked the Lord for one thing, wisdom. He wanted to rule the nation of Israel wisely. He didn’t ask for power or might, riches or honor; he sought wisdom. Read these words that he is giving us.

“Listen as Wisdom calls out!
    Hear as understanding raises her voice!
2 On the hilltop along the road,
    she takes her stand at the crossroads.
3 By the gates at the entrance to the town,
    on the road leading in, she cries aloud,
4 “I call to you, to all of you!
    I raise my voice to all people.
5 You simple people, use good judgment.
    You foolish people, show some understanding.
6 Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you.
    Everything I say is right,
7 for I speak the truth
    and detest every kind of deception.
8 My advice is wholesome.
    There is nothing devious or crooked in it.
9 My words are plain to anyone with understanding,
    clear to those with knowledge.
10 Choose my instruction rather than silver,
    and knowledge rather than pure gold.
11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies.
    Nothing you desire can compare with it.” Proverbs 8:1-11 NLT

Nothing we can desire compares to wisdom. Wisdom is God’s way of doing things. Solomon knew from experience that this was the best way. Business journals, self-help books, in-depth study will fall short without relying on the Lord and the wisdom that He gives.

When we come to the all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of the universe, our God and heavenly Father, He will share with us knowledge and wisdom. His word is free to all and it will never steer us wrong. The words of His book have survived the ages, the truth of His word is timeless.

“Bend my heart toward your instructions and not toward selfish gain. 37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things; with your ways, give me life.” Psalm 119:36-37 CJB

Open the pages of your Bible and find the priceless, unfailing, eternal wisdom that comes from Almighty God.

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Lending a Helping Hand

It seems everywhere we turn folks are trying to get us to support a cause. We don’t have to watch TV too long to see several commercials that are asking for $19 a month to help with this that and the other.

Just lend a helping hand.

There are social issues, political issues, humanitarian causes, educational, religious, medical, environmental, recreational, cultural and even artistic areas that are asking for our time and support. Each of us have our own areas of special interest but these things should never be our primary focus.

Jesus was faced with all the same issues when he walked the earth that we face today and he gave this admonition to his disciples.

“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26 NKJV

To achieve recognition as one of our communities greatest philanthrophist is futile if it causes us to loose sight of the most important calling we have, our relationship with Jesus Christ!

There is no Nobel prize, humanitarian award, national acclaim or public recognition that can compare with knowing God and having Him speak your name.

“Then Jesus said to his followers, “If any of you want to be my follower, you must stop thinking about yourself and what you want. You must be willing to carry the cross that is given to you for following me. 25 Any of you who try to save the life you have will lose it. But you who give up your life for me will find true life. 26 It is worth nothing for you to have the whole world if you yourself are lost. You could never pay enough to buy back your life. 27 The Son of Man will come again with his Father’s glory and with his angels. And he will reward everyone for what they have done.” Matthew 16:24-27 ERV

We can become weary and exhausted from “trying” to fix all the worlds woes. Our own efforts will fall short every time. But there is a place of rest and that is found in Jesus.

“If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest. 29 Take the yoke I give you. Put it on your shoulders and learn from me. I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest. 30 This yoke is easy to bear, and this burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 CEV

We should all look for opportunities to do good. Trying to accomplish them on our own is exhausting but when Jesus leads us to lend a helping hand the results are much greater than we could dream of.

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It’s A New Day

For the past two weeks, you know, Dave and I have been under the U.S. Forest Service evacuation order for the Apache Sitgreaves region. At noon yesterday we were granted permission to return to our campground at Big Lake, as were all the other camp hosts in our region.

I had no idea that my reaction would be so strong. The campground that has been our temporary location was very nice and we loved the wildlife and the camaraderie we experienced with the other hosts but as Dave pulled our 5th wheel up the road to our campground, Rainbow, my heart filled with joy. We were home!

I could only imagine how some of you have felt living in areas that are effected by tornados and hurricanes. Living in the western United States all of my life I have never experienced that kind of devastation or threat of destruction.

“Your way is perfect, Lord, and your word is correct. You are a shield for those who run to you for help.” Psalm 18:30 CEV

Our afternoon was filled with all the little chores of settling in; connecting to power, water, sewer, making sure we were level, cleaning inside, putting things back in place, setting up the awning, putting out chairs and grill.

Happy to be home.

This beautiful sunrise greeted us yesterday morning, it was as if the Lord was saying, “today is a good day”. When we took one of our granddaughter’s camping with us this last winter she and I would walk out side at sunrise and say “Good Morning Sun”. As a four-year-old, it’s something she remembers as a special time.

Today we prepare for the return of campers. A few will come in today with many more coming over the weekend. We will be so glad to hear the sounds of laughter in the campground. Families enjoying each other away from the distractions of the city. Families making special memories like Kristine and I have shared, maybe they’ll even see the sunrise together.

The Lord gave blessings to the Israelites right before they entered the Promised Land. Since we have a relationship with God, the Father, those promises are also our inheritance.

“If you will obey the Lord your God, all these blessings will come to you and be yours: 3 “He will bless you in the city and in the field. 4 He will bless you and give you many children. He will bless your land and give you good crops. He will bless your animals and let them have many babies. He will bless you with calves and lambs. 5 He will bless your baskets and pans and fill them with food. 6 He will bless you at all times in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 28:2-6 ERV

When this summer started we really had no idea of what the Lord was going to do in our lives. We just wanted to be obedient to His leading. This is beyond anything we expected.

Look for the Lord’s leading and follow it! Today is a new day, a day filled with blessing. Good Morning “Son”!

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Sweeter Than Honey

The biscuits and gravy breakfast yesterday morning was enjoyed by all. It started out as a cool and cloudy morning but by breakfast’ end our foreheads were glistening with drops of perspiration in the warm morning sun.

It would be silly to think that any of those who came for breakfast would have eaten enough to keep them satisfied and full for the rest of the week.  I know I’m not.

I’m looking forward to having some biscuits this morning. In fact, I’ve been sitting here thinking about how good they will taste once they are warmed, and I have drizzled some sweet whipped honey over them.

One of my favorite things when I was a little girl was whipped honey. It was a treat to be able to spread it across a warm piece of toast and let it soak into the bread. Each bite delighted my taste buds with a delicate sweetness. I was never satisfied with one bite.

That’s how I feel about God’s word. It’s not enough to eat from it one day a week. I want to have nourishment each morning. I draw strength from the instruction that the Lord provides for me. It is fresh knowledge, applicable for each day, and gives me direction and wisdom.

“The Law of the Lord is perfect; it gives us new life. His teachings last forever, and they give wisdom to ordinary people.
8 The Lord’s instruction is right;  it makes our hearts glad. His commands shine brightly,
 and they give us light. 9 Worshiping the Lord is sacred;  he will always be worshiped. All of his decisions are correct and fair. 10 They are worth more than the finest gold and are sweeter than honey from a honeycomb.” Psalm 19:7-10 CEV

We can come to the Bible and dine until we are full. Some days it’s like a banquet, one course after another, each bringing something new. Other days I am in a mood to snack – a little tidbit of encouragement here, a nibble of instruction there and then just a little bit more right before bed.

“My child, listen carefully to everything I say. 21     Don’t forget a single word, but think about it all. 22 Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you.” Proverbs 4:20-22 CEV

What are you hungry for?  Are you ready for a full meal or just a snack with your morning coffee?

Remember, all of God’s word brings life but we are the ones who need to take and eat.

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Pass the Biscuits

What makes you smile?

This morning it is the aroma of sausage. Normally, this time of day the only thing I smell is the coffee brewing but today is different. There’s a distinct odor of sausage coming from the crock pot in my kitchen.

A few days ago, we invited all our fellow camp hosts to a biscuits and gravy breakfast. Just a little gathering before we head back to our respective campgrounds, hopefully, by week’s end.

Our evacuation confinement has given Dave and I the opportunity to get to know some of the other hosts, nice people, who we wouldn’t have gotten acquainted with otherwise. Some live just a few miles from us in Rio Rico, others live full time in their RV’s and travel the U.S. 

The other evening at a gathering one lady came up and asked, “are you Kristi with the blog?”. I laughed and said yes. She told me she is friends with a camp host from last year who had told her about my blog and how much it encourages her.

We never know how the Lord will use us if we are just available.

“Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:17 CEV

Each day presents us with opportunities to be a blessing.  Today it comes one a breakfast plate in the form of buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy with a side of black coffee.

It reminds me of Jesus. He fixed a breakfast of fish for a group of men who had been out all night fishing. As they returned to shore, they encountered Jesus. He was there to feed their bodies and their spirits.

“Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing!” The others said, “We will go with you.” They went out in their boat. But they didn’t catch a thing that night.

4 Early the next morning Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize who he was. 5 Jesus shouted, “Friends, have you caught anything?” “No!” they answered.

6 So he told them, “Let your net down on the right side of your boat, and you will catch some fish.” They did, and the net was so full of fish that they could not drag it up into the boat…

9 When the disciples got out of the boat, they saw some bread and a charcoal fire with fish on it. 10 Jesus told his disciples, “Bring some of the fish you just caught.” 11 Simon Peter got back into the boat and dragged the net to shore. In it were one hundred fifty-three large fish, but still the net did not rip.

12 Jesus said, “Come and eat!” But none of the disciples dared ask who he was. They knew he was the Lord. 13 Jesus took the bread in his hands and gave some of it to his disciples. He did the same with the fish.” John 21:3-13 CEV

You don’t have to stand behind a pulpit to be a preacher. We all have a story of how God’s love and forgiveness changed our lives. We can share it best by loving the people we encounter and sometimes it can be shared best when we pass the biscuits.

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The Sound of the Bugle

As I sat here this morning the quiet was broken by the sound of an elk’s bugle. It is an amazing sound.

It’s piercing. It’s regal. But it also sounds lonely.

Yesterday driving to town, we encountered many cow elk along the way but we have yet to see a bull. I’m hoping that is something I am able to capture before the summer ends.

The bugle let’s me know they are close. They are majestic creatures.

I’m intrigued by the mind and creativity of the Lord.  This summer has been interesting, to say the least, with the number of wildlife we have seen. The elk and the moose are large, strong animals. Close in size but so different in confirmation.

Each day we watch the chipmunks and the squirrels. Again, similar but different. The chipmunks scurry through our camp looking for bits of food that may have dropped from the griddle. The squirrels dash through but rarely stop.

A grouse is a common visitor to our host campground and each day we see the woodpeckers, the crows and the robins. The wild horses graze just yards from our RV and the black tail deer come nearly every morning to the area adjacent to our picnic table.

These are only a few of the world’s many creatures that were designed and created by our Father. Each has a purpose. Each has individual distinctions. God knows them all.

More than that He knows us!

Our DNA and our fingerprints are unique only to us. All designed and established by our Father, the Creator of heaven and earth.

“You are the one who put me together   inside my mother’s body, 14 and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous!  Of this I have no doubt.” Psalm 139:13-14 CEV

He knows each elk that bugles, and He knows each voice of His children that call out to Him.

“’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

We are not an afterthought. We are not alone. We are each created with a specific purpose. Our Father has designed us. We are uniquely His!

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Letters From Home

Just a couple days ago I was reading the Apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy. Timothy was a young man whom Paul considered a son. Timothy was now preaching the Good News of Jesus to many new converts and it seems he was running into some resistance because of his youthfulness. Paul sent him a letter to encourage him to keep going and not be bothered by what people were saying about him.

“Don’t let anyone make fun of you, just because you are young. Set an example for other followers by what you say and do, as well as by your love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I arrive, be sure to keep on reading the Scriptures in worship, and don’t stop preaching and teaching. 14 Use the gift you were given when the prophets spoke and the group of church leaders blessed you by placing their hands on you.” I Timothy 4:12-14 CEV

When I read those words I remembered what it was like to get letters at Summer Camp. After lunch, we would all gather round and the head counselor would do mail call. Everyone stood waiting for their names to be called.

Letter from home were such an encouragement!

While I was in college, the letters kept coming. And there were the care packages too. Boxes sent for nearly every holiday, stickers covering the outside, and inside were her cinnamon rolls, kringla (a Norwegian cookie), chocolate chip cookies and more. I would take the box to the Student Union and after dinner my friends and I would open the box, and everyone got to enjoy a treat from home.

Letters from home were comforting.

Some of you know that my Mom passed away about five weeks ago. She finally got to go to heaven. She was 97 years and 9 months old. She loved us but she loved Jesus more.

Yesterday I went to our Post Office here in the mountains and there were three envelopes in it. A letter from my brother, one from a friend and one from my sister. In my sister’s envelope was a letter from Mom…

Mom knew she wouldn’t be here for my sister and my birthdays this year, so she wrote our cards early and she asked my sister to make sure she mailed mine.

Letters from home were filled with love.

I can’t help but see the correlation between the letters I have received all my life with the one the heavenly Father wrote to us over two thousand years ago.

“Wonderful!” his master replied. “You are a good and faithful servant. I left you in charge of only a little, but now I will put you in charge of much more. Come and share in my happiness!” Matthew 25:21 CEV

Jesus was talking to his disciples about their faithfulness and obedience in doing what the Father had asked them to do. He called them good and faithful servants. And that will be His welcome to all of us when we enter heaven.

“Well done”.   His instruction is that we feed the hungry, clothed the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. Encourage those who are depressed. Telling all that Jesus has paid our debt of sin and the Father loves us unconditionally. We are to bring His letter from home to the world.

Letters from home bring salvation.

Share heaven’s letter with those around you. There’s nothing better than a letter from home!

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Some Gave All

“As a good soldier of Christ Jesus, accept your share of the troubles we have. 4 A soldier wants to please his commanding officer, so he does not spend any time on activities that are not a part of his duty.” II Timothy 2:3-4 ERV

As we draw near to Independence Day, my heart is filled with gratitude for all those who have served selflessly in our military. The gift of freedom that they have fought and died to preserve is priceless.

Valley Forge. Battle of New Orleans. Shiloh. Gettysburg. The Alamo. San Juan Hill. Flanders Field. Pearl Harbor. Normandy. Korea. Viet Nam. Desert Storm. Iran. Afghanistan.

These battles have tested our country’s resolve almost to the breaking point and still our flag waves.

I love this country and I’m patriotic and proud to call America my home. I don’t approve of some of the things that have been done in this nation, but I still believe there is no better place on earth to live.

Dave and I watch lots of movies on the history of our country. We want to know the legacy of the men and women who fought so valiantly to protect the freedoms we have. The other day we watched one on the Battle of San Juan Hill.

It was July 1, 1898, one hundred twenty-three years ago, when our forces went to Cuba to stop the tyranny of Spain in that country. Over 140 men died and another 1000+ were wounded. The American men were greatly outnumbered by their enemies’ forces, but they fought on to liberate the Cuba nationals.

Sad to say but our nation’s brave history isn’t talked about much anymore. I, for one want to use this weekend as a time of remembrance and resolve. I proudly display the red, white and blue of our flag and stand to sing our national anthem.

I am thankful that God saw fit to see that I was born in such a land – a land of the free and home to the brave.

God bless America
Land that I love
Stand beside her
And guide her
Through the night with a light from above

From the mountains
To the prairies
To the oceans white with foam

God bless America
My home, sweet home

Thank a soldier for their service and thank God for our freedom!

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