Category: Faithfulness

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Learning to Lean

When I got up this morning, those three words were going through my mind. Learning to Lean…

The first thing I thought of were the times I have been on boats. “Getting your sea legs” is what it’s called. My dad took me deep sea fishing when I was a girl – I got seasick. Really seasick. But later that same day I learned to shift my weight with the rolling of the waves and it wasn’t so bad.

I’ve seen those movies and documentaries where the beautiful couple stands posing on the bow of the boat, and they seem to stand effortlessly, but that’s Hollywood and the stabilizing effect of a large cruise type ship.

We all need to learn to lean.

In the forest around us, there are many trees that are leaning. They have grown that way after being shaped by the wind. Sunflowers lean to face the sun, palm trees lean in the direction of water.

We need to learn to lean also.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

“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

We often think we can handle things on our own. However, our own thinking is finite and subject to error and misconception. When we learn to lean on the Lord and trust His direction our steps will be sure and our decisions will be right.

May I encourage you to lean back in the arms of Jesus – He will not fail to hold us steady!

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Unseen Changes

I guess the Holy Spirit was giving me a head’s up yesterday morning when I shared with you about “order up” because our day went nothing as we had planned.

“We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go.” Provers 16:9 CEV

Shortly after I posted my morning blog, Dave and I were sitting in our living area, looking out our big window and having coffee. We saw one of our campers come up to the check in area. He went towards the neighboring camp hosts RV and then walked back to his truck. He was on his phone. I walked out in my robe and slippers to see what he needed. He was talking to a 911 operator.

He told me one of our campers had tripped and fallen and his leg or hip appeared to be broken. I let him finish giving the 911 operator our location. I told him we’d be at the site as soon as we dressed. When I got back to the 5th wheel Dave was dressed. I told him what was going on and he left. I text our managers to tell them what had occurred, dressed, grabbed an extra blanket and headed to the site.

I met Dave coming back. He was going to wait for the ambulance and direct them to the site. He told me who the camper was, it was a man I had been talking with the last few days. I was concerned it was him – we had been sharing the Lord and having good conversations. He was camping alone. I got to the site and covered him with the heavier blanket and then knelt beside him. I told him I needed to leave the medical treatment to the professionals but if it was ok I would pray with him and for him.

We prayed.

The course of his day had been drastically changed and my morning events were altered too. I was where I needed to be. I sat on the ground beside him, holding his hand, talking when him as he grimaced through the pain. He spoke of the goodness of God that he tripped at the campsite because he could have had an accident out on the highway where he would have been alone.

He talked about his belongings, would we gather things up for him, and his wife driving up from Tucson by herself. He asked if I would call her once the ambulance had taken him to the hospital to let her know he was ok and where they would take him. All of this we did!

Friends, we can’t be fearful of situations outside of our comfort zones. We can only do what we know to do – we can bring encouragement and comfort to the heart of those the Lord brings by our paths. Last I heard from his wife, they were waiting for the surgeon’s consult and surgery would have been done last night or today. She thanked us again for being there – she called us a “God-send”. I believe we were.

“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

When we get up each morning, we prayed “Lord, direct my steps today”. When He does we must be obedient to follow.

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Through The Rivers

I needed to share this photo with you from our recent trip to the Catwalk. This is our daughter and son-in-law. What you don’t clearly see behind them is a rushing waterfall. Our daughter has a “thing” for getting in the water. Her husband prefers that she doesn’t take chances like that! He is always there to protect her, I like that!

This morning I am wondering how many of you feel you are in a vulnerable situation, in need of protection.

God’s faithfulness is never ending, and neither is His love, mercy and grace!

A few incidences in the Bible came to mind this morning while I was thinking about some of the rivers we go through. Remember when the children of Israel were being led out of Egypt? They came to the Red Sea and God parted the waters. Then as they were about to entire the Promised Land, the land God provided for them, they had to cross the Jordan River while it was in flood stage. The minute the priests set foot in the river God did a miracle. The waters held back and the entire nation crossed on dry ground.

“The priests carried the Box of the Agreement, and the people left the place they had camped. The people started going across the Jordan River. 15 (During harvest time the Jordan River overflows its banks, so the river was at its fullest.) The priests who were carrying the Box came to the shore of the river. When they stepped into the water, 16 immediately the water stopped flowing and piled up like a wall. The water piled up high a long way up the river—all the way to Adam (a town near Zarethan). And the water flowing down to the sea of Arabah (the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. The people crossed the river near Jericho. 17 The ground at that place became dry, and the priests carried the Box of the Agreement of the Lord to the middle of the river and stopped. They waited there while all the Israelites walked across the Jordan River on dry land.” Joshua 3:14-17 ERV

Do you think some of the people might have been afraid? I do. However, our Father is always faithful to protect and to guide.

“ Jacob, the Lord created you. Israel, he made you, and now he says, “Don’t be afraid. I saved you. I named you. You are mine. 2 When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. 3 That’s because I, the Lord, am your God. I, the Holy One of Israel, am your Savior.” Isaiah 43:1-3a ERV

As I said at the beginning, I’m not sure what vulnerable situation you may have before you but I do know that when we walk through rivers, when we go through fire, when life’s storms seek to capsize our boat, the Father is there – He never leaves us alone!

“The mountains may disappear, and the hills may become dust, but my faithful love will never leave you. I will make peace with you, and it will never end.” The Lord who loves you said this.” Isaiah 54:10 ERV

Through the rivers, God’s faithful love with never leave us!

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More of God, Less of Me

Have you ever wondered if your life has any measurable significance?  I have!

I’m a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and teacher. My experiences haven’t shaped society, nor have I ever invented a gadget that would make life better for millions of people.

However, I’m an ordinary person who tells others about Jesus and his amazing love.  I tell them about the Father, who is gracious, loving and kind.  He desires to have a relationship with us, a relationship of trust, love and forgiveness; He desires to protect and provide for his children. And I love to tell folks about the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit, who is our comforter, our counselor and our advocate.

Ordinary people have changed our world!

Moses was born to parents who lived as slaves in the land of Egypt and he was used by God to deliver over one million Israelites and lead them to what is now called the land of Israel.

Rahab was a harlot, that’s what the Bible says about her, and she hid some spies and was instrumental in the invasion of country by those Israelites.

Gideon was a timid man who was afraid of the marauding hordes and hid in his father’s shed to thrash wheat. He was the seventh son of a seventh son. He had no place of importance but he and 300 men were used by God to defeat a king and his armies.

Esther was an orphan and a refugee. She was raised by her uncle. No one of significance yet she became the queen of Persia and saved her people from annihilation. She was born “for such a time as this”.

John the Baptist, was an early day mountain man. He lived in caves, wore clothing man from camel’s hair and ate locust and honey. He lived of the land. Not quite the advance man that you would pick for the King of Kings but that’s what he did.

Saul, who became the Apostle Paul, was a religious zealot. He hobnobbed with the social and religious elites.  He was well educated and rose to a prominent place in society. But his stand for Christ and the message of redemption caused him to lose it all. He called all the accolades “dung”.

All of these people changed the world, although they may not have known it at the time. They were ordinary but when God called them to a task they accepted His calling. They lived a life of more of God, less of me.

“Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings. They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ. 9 God lives fully in Christ. 10 And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority.” Colossians 2:8-10 CEV

God has an extraordinary plan for each of our lives. We are complete in Him. We just need to be willing to let Him reveal it through us.

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A Pattern for Living

When I was a girl my mother sewed most of my clothes. I remember countless times that we headed to the department store or to the fabric store to pour over pages and pages of pattern books. Once we found the perfect pattern, we would go through bolts and bolts of fabric until we found just the material for the project.

What I didn’t realize is that many times the “perfect fabric” was the one that was on sale and would fit into the budget.

Success!

Did you know we have been given a pattern for life? It’s just right and will fit perfectly! There will be no bargain shopping for the right fabric, only the best will do. It has been custom design, no one-size-fits-all type of apparell.

“Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will be remembered forever. They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated. They will grind their teeth in anger;
    they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.” Psalm 112 NLT

This is the pattern that the Lord has designed for those who are righteous. Don’t let that word scare you into thinking that this is for someone else and not you. To be righteous is to be in right standing with God. Jesus has made that possible for all of us by His sacrifice on our behalf.

Our pattern has been cut to include a heart that loves God’s word. We are designed to be generous, compassionate and fair in our dealings with others. We trust God and don’t fear bad news. We are confident in God’s provision and protection in every area of life.

We help those in need and are victorious when we face those who would like to do evil to us. We will not be overcome by those seeking to do us harm. God’s word promises that we will be overcomers in this life.

This is God’s pattern for our life. It’s tailor made, only the best will do for a child of Almighty God! Our garment has been sewn and pressed.

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 …Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12 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.” Colossians 3:10-14 NLT

It’s laid out before us all we have to do is pick it up and put it on.

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A Special Gift

Every morning I thank the Lord for the opportunity He has given me to share words of encouragement with you. It’s what I love to do!

This is the 4th anniversary of Kristi’s Morning Devotional and it has been such a joy to lay my fingers on the keyboard and write what the Father has put on my heart. Who knew there was a lesson to be learned from mushrooms?

I appreciate the comments you share through email and on Facebook. Knowing that the Holy Spirit is encouraging you touches my heart. If these brief morning thoughts strengthen you throughout your day, if they remind you that you are never alone and if they help direct you in the decisions you are facing then I am thrilled.

Each day the Lord gives us is a special gift. Each morning is a page waiting to be filled with His goodness and grace. Each evening is an opportunity to reflect on the His love and mercy. Each hour is an opportunity to draw on His strength and direction.

“This day belongs to the Lord! Let’s celebrate and be glad today.” Psalm 118:24 CEV

I am committed to continue writing as long as the Lord gives me the words to pen. I want the Father to be glorified through each posting. He, alone, is worthy of all praise and adoration.

Last night I had a dream that I was teaching at a church gathering. The theme of the message was “A Deeper Relationship”. Never do I want to present religious ideas or manmade doctrines. My goal and desire is for all who read my writings or hear my words to know that our heavenly Father is a father who desires relationship.

One of our children once told Dave and I “I see now how much you guys gave up, how much you sacrificed for us as we were growing up. I want you to know how much I appreciate it all. I love you”.

As I grow in relationship with the Father each day I appreciate His love so much more. I want that for each and everyone of you. And I hope that you desire that as well; for yourselves, your friends and family.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the message of the life changing power of God, He told them this:

“Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: …7 Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!” Matthew 10:5-8 NLT

We have been given the same instruction. Freely give. The life giving message of God’s love is a gift to be freely given. It is my hope that as you receive from this daily blog that you will share it with others.

In the past four years, the blog has been read nearly 50,000 times. That humbles me. But my hope is that many more will read it and come to know the unconditional, amazing love and joy that come from being in relationship with the Father.

Will you help me spread this good news? Please share my blog with your friends and let’s see God’s word reach thousands more. There is no greater gift than the gift of God’s love.

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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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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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All’s Forgiven

I hope you never tire of me telling you about the goodness of God. I never get tired of seeing His lovingkindness in action!

My morning Bible time still has me reading about the Israelites and their journey through the wildness on their way to the Promised Land. These people…they are consistently inconsistent.

They profess their love and faith for the Lord and then they murmur and complain. They say they will be devoted to their God and then they build a calf of gold and have an orgy. I don’t think there is a time they go more than a couple weeks without veering off on their own and ignoring what God has said.

But God…but God, is always faithful!

“Then he passed in front of Moses and called out, “I am the Lord God. I am merciful and very patient with my people. I show great love, and I can be trusted. 7 I keep my promises to my people forever, but I also punish anyone who sins…” 8 Moses quickly bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord. 9 He prayed, “Lord, if you really are pleased with me, I pray that you will go with us. It is true that these people are sinful and rebellious, but forgive our sin and let us be your people.” Exodus 34:6-9 CEV

The Lord declares that He will always be loving and faithful. He will keep His word. He also says that He will forgive their sins and transgressions. He does hold them responsible for their acts of disobedience and that is why He gives them a priest to offer sacrifices of atonement.

He gives them a way to repent and to be restored by His mercy.  He does the same for us.

The Lord has always known the shortcomings of men. He knows that we fall short, and He has given us His plan of forgiveness and grace. 

“All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. 24 But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins.” Romans 3:23-24 CEV

Jesus is that heavenly plan.

The plan of sacrifice in the Old Testament could never completely cleanse the sins and transgressions of men. The blood shed by the animals only covered their sins. But the blood of Jesus completely cleanses us and puts us in right standing with God, the Father.

“The Law teaches that offerings and sacrifices must be made because of sin. But why did Christ mention these things and say that God did not want them? 9 Well, it was to do away with offerings and sacrifices and to replace them. That is what he meant by saying to God, “I have come to do what you want.” 10 So we are made holy because Christ obeyed God and offered himself once for all. 11 The priests do their work each day, and they keep on offering sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But Christ offered himself as a sacrifice that is good forever. Now he is sitting at God’s right side, 13 and he will stay there until his enemies are put under his power. 14 By his one sacrifice he has forever set free from sin the people he brings to God.” Hebrews 10:8-14 CEV

When we get hung up on how unworthy we are, how many times we have failed, we are focusing on our efforts to be good enough for God. Switch focus! Salvation is never based on our efforts; it is entirely dependent upon what God has done for us!

It is His lovingkindness, His mercy, His grace! It is His blood; He is the fulfillment of the plan. He is our salvation!

The Father’s love is unconditional. His plan is for all. Walk in the grace and mercy that He has provided. It will bring joy and peace to every day.

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A Harmonious Outcome

For years I lived by my daily planner. The person who invited the “Day-Timer” was my hero.  Everything needed to be written down, each appointment recorded. That’s how I kept life organized and on track.

It wasn’t just the business, school and medical appointments. No, I put in trips to the grocery store, which day I would do laundry, time in my yard and for a while I even had the week’s menu in my planner.

I knew how each day should play out and it made me feel accomplished.

Gradually I found myself releasing control. Less and less do I reach for my planner with pencil in hand and it isn’t because we are retired and have less to do. I am learning to enjoy the moments, every day unexpected encounters with life.

“Trust the Lord and live right! The land will be yours, and you will be safe. 4 Do what the Lord wants, and he will give you your heart’s desire. 5 Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. 6 Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right.7 Be patient and trust the Lord. Don’t let it bother you when all goes well for those who do sinful things.
8 Don’t be angry or furious. Anger can lead to sin.” Psalm 37: 3-8 CEV

Waiting patiently was not something either Dave or I were good at. We were the ones to do the planning and if something needed to be done you could count on us to jump in with both feet and take care of the details.

How you heard the expression “burning daylight”? That was us – we didn’t tolerate what we considered wasted time.  But our way has changed.

We are learning to relax, rest and enjoy all that God has for us. We are seeing the Lord remove stress and frustration from our lives and we are loving it. There’s a line from one of our favorite westerns that says, “Slow down, you’ll get a more harmonious outcome”.

When we slow down, we are more likely to experience the Lord’s little blessings. If we’re in a hurry, we often miss them completely. Yesterday morning after posting the blog Dave and I drove past three doe standing at the edge of the road. He slowed way down so I could get a picture. We almost stopped completely. They were in no hurry; they were content to stand there and eat the meadow grass.

It occurred to me that the animals in nature are really in no hurry at all. They just wait on what the Lord has provided. They eat quietly and lie down to rest in the shady spots. The only time you really see them “rushing” is when they feel they are in danger.

Kind of reminds me of Psalm 23. The Lord is my shepherd, He leads me by still waters and in green pastures, He restores my soul.

If the sheep can learn to relax and the doe can be still, shouldn’t we follow their example as we wait and trust in the Lord?

“You, Lord, are my shepherd.  I will never be in need. 2  You let me rest in fields of green grass. You lead me to streams of peaceful water,” Psalm 23:1-2 CEV

Enjoy this day.  Let the Lord minister to your heart!

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