Category: May2021

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A Day to Remember

We, as a nation, celebrate today as a day of remembrance. It’s not a day of jubliant celebration like the 4th of July, it’s more somber. It should be a day we never forget, a day of gratitude.

At one point this remembrance occurred on May 1. It was referred to as Decoration Day. Graves of the fallen were decorated as a sign of honor.

This nation was founded by people who were willing to lay down their very lives so that others could and would know freedom. Freedom from tyranny. Freedom from dictatorial governments. Freedom from oppression. Freedom to govern under their own set of laws.

Freedom.

I am thankful that I have no immediate relatives who died in combat. Some served bravely but none of them made the ultimate sacrifice and so we honor them on Veteran’s Day. I have friends who died in Viet Nam and I have friends whose loved ones have died in conflict.

Their lives were lost to preserve freedom. I am grateful.

If you are with friends and family today hug them tightly and thank God for their safety. Then take time to remember in prayer those whose hearts are aching because of the loss of a loved one. Thank the Lord for those who willingly served, who went when they were called and never returned.

Today is a day to remember. Let’s honor them with our gratitude and with our prayers.

The greatest display of love any of us will ever receive came from Jesus. He gave his life for each one of us.

“There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.” I Timothy 2:5-6 NLT

The second greatest expression was that of the American military member.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13 NLV

Make this a day to remember.

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Trust is Progressive

As with most things, trust is not a one time experience, it’s progressive.

Any adult who has tried to coax a child or grandchild into jumping into their arms in the swimming pool knows what I’m talking about. The child stands timidly on the side, while you are tell them repeatedly, “It’s ok, I’ll catch you”, knows it takes time for them to trust.

Each time it gets easier for them…trust has been built. There’s a track record that they can count on.

Do you have a track record with the Lord? Have you trusted Him in the small things of life and found Him always faithful? If so, your trust has grown and matured and you have a confidence that He will never let you down.

Perhaps you are standing on the edge for the first time and hearing the Lord say, “Trust me, I’ll catch you”.

This morning I would like to share a few of my favorite trust verses. Write them down, screen shot them, keep them handy. You’ll rely on them again and again. I know I have.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him.” II Samuel 22:31 ERV

“It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people.” Psalm 118:8 ERV

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge.” Proverbs 3:5 ERV

Early in our marriage we were really struggling financially. Two small children to care for, Dave was working long hours but there was barely enough to cover household expenses and even less for groceries. I remember the first time I prayed over my grocery list.

My prayer went something like this. “Lord, you know I need to feed my family. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I only have $25 . I need a miracle. I trust You.” And off I went.

I was learning to trust.

I did not deviate from my list. The first item, bread, had a 2 for 1 special. Next was eggs, this week’s price 79 cents a dozen, milk, cheese, potatoes, flour, sugar…90% of the items were on special and if I remember correctly, I spent $23.74.

“Don’t worry and say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32 That’s what those people who don’t know God are always thinking about. Don’t worry, because your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. 33 What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:31-33 ERV

I wish I could tell you that from that day forward I always trusted the Lord but that wouldn’t be true. There have been times, more than I’d like to admit, that I have done my own thing, trusted in my own knowledge and resources and have neglected to trust the Lord. The outcome was far from stellar.

But when I returned to trusting in my Father’s provision, He was always there waiting to help.

“So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:16 CEV

Trust the Lord with the small things and soon you will be trusting Him with everything! It’s progressive.

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Do All Things

Dave and I subscribed to several full time rving YouTube channels. We travel vicariously through their adventures and we also have created a list of the sites we would most like to see in our 5th wheel. It’s so refreshing to see the beauty that God has created.

One of the channels is relatively new, Switch It Up. This couple has a real place in our hearts. Not only do they travel to some interesting places but they are open in sharing about their faith and trust in the Lord.

During each segment there will be a time when they said this: Do all the things. They mean Like, Subscribe, Share. In fact, they have a t-shirt with that slogan on it and I purchased one.

That phrase has a double meaning to me. There are a number of verses in the Bible that tell us to do all. I want to be a doer of all the things that the Lord has asked us to do. I’ll share some of those verses with you.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” I Corinthians 10:31 NLT

“Be glad you can do the things you should be doing. Do all things without arguing and talking about how you wish you did not have to do them.” Philippians 2:14 NLV

“I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.” Philippians 4:13 NLV

“Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 CEB

There you have it. Be a doer of all things!

God has called us to be a light to the world. In our case that involves RVing. Wherever God calls you, wherever He leads you He will equip you to do all things for His glory!

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Be A Good Example

When you look at your life who has been the biggest influence. Parents, teachers, friends…?

My parents had the largest impact on my early years, that is certain. I can still hear some of those simple childhood teachings. As a young wife and mother there were some gracious women who mentored me, one without knowing it. Her example was life changing.

Of course, the Bible has had the biggest impact on my life. Watching how godly people, men and women, conduct themselves in their daily lives is such an encouragement. Watching pious and selfish people’s example is a warning of things I try to avoid.

I’ve been reading through the book of Acts and I have paid close attention to the verses that mention Barnabas.

“…Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35 to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it. 36-37 Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.” Acts 4:34-37 CEV

The first mention of Barnabas shows that he was a generous man. A man of compassion. A good example.

The early Christians were being persecuted for choosing Christ over the religions of the day. Many of them were disowned and left without home or property. Others were imprisoned and still some were murdered for their faith in Christ.

He was called “one who encourages others”. A good example.

When Saul, who had been arresting Christians, came to Christ Barnabas validated his change of heart with the apostles. He gave testimony that Paul had a true conversion and should be accepted.

Barnabas was able to put Paul’s past aside and saw who he was becoming in Christ. Barnabas was the one who brought Saul to preach and teach to the believers in a town called Antioch. It was there that both Barnabas and Saul were sent out to be missionaries.

“Appoint Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for me. They are the ones I have chosen to do it.” Acts 13:2 ERV

They ministered together for years and then Barnabas separated ways with Paul and began encouraging his nephew, John Mark, while Paul continued traveling with a man called Silas. Paul wrote two-thirds of the New Testament. Barnabas encouraged the saints. Both were used by God.

The Lord brings people into our lives. Some are only passing through, others become life-long friends. Whatever the period of time, we should be a good example. Loving them unconditionally as Christ has loved us. Forgetting their past and seeing who Christ is helping them become.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud. 5 Love is not rude, it is not selfish, and it cannot be made angry easily. Love does not remember wrongs done against it. 6 Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits.” I Corinthians 13:4-7 ERV

Love makes us a good example. Lord, I want to be that example to others!

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Where To Now?

At this time of year I remember the excitement that was building in our hearts seven years ago. We had been waiting to come to our new home in Arizona. It had taken years to see this dream come. The anticipation flooded every thought. Maybe you’re experiencing that now – a new home, a new beginning.

Where to Now?

The Bible is filled with people who were on the move.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God… 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:8-16 NJKV

He didn’t know where he was going but Abraham did know that he could trust God. He was anticipating good things.

Are we anticipating good things as the Lord moves us along the journey to our heavenly home?

There isn’t one thing here on this earth that I wouldn’t give up in place of living in the city whose builder and maker is God!

The things that are most valuable to me I don’t have to give up. My husband, my brothers and sisters, my children, grandchildren and my friends will be there too. How wonderful is that!

To live with the knowledge that there may be friends and family I won’t see again on this earth saddens me but to know that I will see them again in heaven is thrilling.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3 NJKV

Some of our friends have come to visit us in Arizona the last seven years. However, if there could only be one visit, I would rather they come for coffee once we are settled in our heavenly mansion – the view will be so much greater!

Where to Now? We’re on a journey that will eventually lead us to that city whose builder and maker is God. It will be perfect!

Father, my prayer today is that all whom I hold dear will have a personal relationship with You. I desire that there friendship with You is deeper than it is with me. I can make them dinners and baked goods; I can share my home with them but You, You gave the life of Your Son so that they will live eternally. Thank You for touching their hearts today – thank you for providing new life, a life that never ends – thank you for giving us a place where we will never die but will live eternally. Thank you for caring about the everyday, small and minute details of our lives. In the name of Jesus. Amen!

I’ll see you there!

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Choosing the Best

Years ago we were in Iowa for the summer. We weren’t fully involved in work yet so my friend and I took her three boys to a local U-Pick Strawberry Farm for an outing.

We had so much fun! The older boys were running ahead of us, picking the largest berries they could find. Mom was in the middle and the youngest boy and I brought up the rear. He was disappointed that he couldn’t run with his brothers and he thought they had already picked the best berries.

It was then I showed him one of the largest strawberries I had ever seen. It was perfectly ripe but was being hidden by the leaves on the plant so no one had seen it. He quickly picked it and placed it in our bucket. The hunt was on. He went from being disappointed to being excited. We had a very, very full basket when the others were ready to stop.

Life’s a lot like that strawberry patch. We go through different situations and we pick and choose what we think is best. The best schools, the best person for the team, our best friend, best spouse, best house, best…best…best.

Is it any wonder that so many people develop a low self-esteem? No one, it seems, has chosen them.

Well, I have good news!

“Then Peter said, “I can see, for sure, that God does not respect one person more than another. 35 He is pleased with any man in any nation who honors Him and does what is right.” Acts 10:34-35 NLV

“God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” John 3:16 CEV

If anyone had the right to pick and choose “the best” for His team it would be God. However, that’s not how He operates. Our Father gladly receives everyone. You read that right, everyone! Not just those who want relationship with Him but His heart is open even to those who ignore Him and go their own way.

“This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.” I Timothy 4:9-11 NIV

We have all been chosen by the Savior.

I appreciate the Apostle Paul’s directness. God is the Savior of ALL people…especially those who believe in Him. No paritality, no favoritism, no prejudice – all people. But He won’t force salvation on anyone, the Father let’s us make the choice. He’s waiting for us.

“He paid for our sins with His own blood. He did not pay for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.” I John 2:2 NLV

“The Lord isn’t slow about keeping his promises, as some people think he is. In fact, God is patient, because he wants everyone to turn from sin and no one to be lost.” II Peter 3:9 CEV

The Father has made His choice – He’s chosen all of us. Now, it’s up to us to choose the best.

I, for one, decided to choose the Father and His unconditional love.

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How Long Is Forever?

When we’re children waiting for some special occasion next week can seem like forever. A long lonely highway seems to go on forever. A mother expecting her first child may feel the arrival date is taking forever. However, when we age years seem to pass so quickly. Time flies by. So, how long is forever?

To truly grasp the concept of forever will take forever.

Forever is how long the Lord says His love for us will last!

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 2 Give thanks to the God of gods, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 4 Give thanks to Him Who alone does great works, for His loving-kindness lasts forever. 5 Give thanks to Him Who by wisdom made the heavens, for His loving-kindness lasts forever.” Psalm 136:1-5 NLV

His loving-kindness lasts forever!

There are another twenty-one verses in this Psalm and each of them end with His loving-kindness lasts forever. Forever!

I think I have a very good imagination but it’s mind-boggling to focus on forever. The Father will love me forever. And because of His forever love He has offered us all life with Him that will never end.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.” John 3:16 NLV

This morning I am focused on that life which lasts forever because yesterday our Mom left this temporal life on earth and stepped into her perfect heavenly life that will last forever. I am so happy for her, words cannot express it.

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” Psalm 16:11 NLT

Forever in the Father’s presence, forever surrounded by His love. Joy forever!

I pray that you all have this forever life which is filled with love that lasts forever.

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Living to the Full

Last night Dave and I watched the most current episode of a series we got hooked on. It has 23 seasons…yes, 23 seasons. It’s a British CSI type show.

One statement in this episode stood out among the rest. “I have spent enough time among the dead, it’s time I focus on the living”. This was spoken by one of the lead characters.

When I went to bed my head was filled with verses on life and death. I knew what I was supposed to share with you this morning. The Bible has so much to say about life:

“If anyone wants to keep his life safe, he will lose it. If anyone gives up his life because of Me, he will save it. 26 For what does a man have if he gets all the world and loses his own soul? What can a man give to buy back his soul?” Matthew 16:25-26 NLV

Jesus said the Father loves us so much that He, Jesus, was sent to bring us everlasting life. Life here on earth is temporal but life with the Father is eternal. Jesus wasn’t just concerned about our eternal life. Everyone who placed their trust in Him as their Savoir saw a dramatic change in their lives here.

“A thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But I came to give life—life that is full and good.” John 10:10 CEV

Full and good!

Listen to the words of Moses. He is addressing the children of those who were deliverred from Egypt, they were on the verge of entering the promised land.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! 20 You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the Lord, you will live long in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

We have a God-given choice between life and death and just in case there is any doubt to which one is correct Moses says choose life. “This is the key to your life…love and obey the Lord and you will live long”. Sounds like the right choice to me.

When Mary and the women went to the tomb of Jesus on the resurrection morning. The tomb was empty, then the angels asked a question: “…they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus, 4 and they did not know what to think. Suddenly two men in shining white clothes stood beside them. 5 The women were afraid and bowed to the ground. But the men said, “Why are you looking in the place of the dead for someone who is alive? 6 Jesus isn’t here! He has been raised from death. Remember that while he was still in Galilee, he told you” Luke 24:3-6 CEV

Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life”. I choose Jesus, I choose life!

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In Capable Hands

When I was very young, I remember my Dad letting me sit on his lap as he was driving.

Now, before anyone starts to tell me how dangerous that was I will remind them this was 65 plus years ago. It was on dirt roads, with no other cars in sight and for two or three minutes at the most.

What stays in my mind and my heart is the love and laughter that we shared in those moments. I trusted my Dad and I knew he would never do anything that would knowingly harm me.

I was in capable hands. I learned to listen and to trust.

Some days, I still feel like that little girl sitting on my Daddy’s lap. There are new situations, new joys, new adventures, new dangers that present themselves. I find myself reaching for my Father’s hand and wanting to crawl up on His lap, listening to His voice and learning from His words.

Of course, now, I’m not speaking of my natural father but of my Heavenly Father.

“Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

We are in capable hands.

We are told to come to the Father WHENEVER we have a need and we will find help! He won’t refuse us. He doesn’t just want us to come when we need something He wants us to come and learn from Him. In this way, He will teach us how to avoid the dangers and pitfalls that are waiting to ambush us.

“With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. 6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” Proverbs 3:5-6 CEV

Trust the Father’s capable hands.

“Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful.” Proverbs 16:3 ERV

“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

We have the Father’s word that when we turn to Him with a trusting heart He will be there to direct, guide, instruct and provide. He won’t break His word.

There are a few things that I have been talking to the Father about. Things that I need His wisdom and leading in. My knowledge is limited and sometimes I feel like a little kid again, a kid who needs my Father’s help. Maybe you’re experiencing the same kind of thing. I can assure you that when we take these to our Father He will listen and lead us to a good future.

We’re in His capable hands.

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One More Time

This morning I want to spend a little more time looking at the Israelites when they first left Egypt. We see the cycle of joy and desperation repeated. I’d like to think that I wouldn’t have gotten drawn in to their murmuring and complaining but I just don’t know.

We all have areas of individual weakness, ways we act and react when we’re under pressure; anger, self-pity, denial, frustration, lying, criticism, worry, doubt.

The difference between us and the Israelites is their short comings have been written in down in the world’s best seller, the Bible, for everyone to read and hopefully learn from. Mine, on the other hand, are hidden in the recesses of my heart and only seen by a very few.

So let’s look at one more time when the Israelites murmured against God. One more time when they let doubt overcome trust.

“It was the fifteenth day of the second month after they left the land of Egypt. 2 And all the people of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron in the desert, 3 saying, “We should have died by the Lord’s hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. For you have brought us out into this desert to kill all of us with hunger.” Exodus 16:1-3 NLV

Quick recap of the last forty-five days: leave Egypt, see the Egyptians coming after them, COMPLAIN, cross the Red Sea on dry ground, Egyptian army destroyed, PRAISE GOD, go another few days, find bitter water, COMPLAIN, God makes the bitter sweet, PRAISE, go further and camp at an oasis, now 45 days in, COMPLAIN.

Oh my!

“The Lord said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the complaining of the people of Israel. Say to them, ‘In the evening you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’” Exodus 16: 11-12 NLV

The Lord had never intended for them to starve or go without water. He always had a plan for their benefit but they failed to trust. How much better would it have been if they had come to Moses and said “We’re hungry, what’s God’s plan”? No complaining, just a simple question.

“The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us  as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:6-13 NLT

Our Father’s plan is to shower us with love and mercy. He chooses to forget our sins and to remove them from us, even the ones we repeat again and again.

What I want you to take away from the last few days is not how many times the Israelites failed but how many times God forgave and delivered them.

One more time – remember this:

“But the Lord has always loved his followers, and he will continue to love them forever and ever!” Psalm 103:17 ERV

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