Don't Push My Buttons

But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 NIV

The tension in the room grew deeper as one after another began to feed on each other's anger. Why is it when someone gets angry the rest of us want to follow?

This reminds me of a demonstration a friend of mine used to do to show her kids how easy it is for anger to grow. She'd slap one hand and then the other until soon the hands were fighting, and then she'd show a different way. Again she'd slap her one hand, but instead of the other slapping back it would softly pat the other hand until soon neither hand one be slapping-all would be calm.

At times when trying to discipline the kids in my care, I will have to yell at a child who is doing wrong and of course he/she will deny any wrong doing. Soon I find myself in a debate with this child and my anger is rising. I've fallen into the slapping hands trap. I find it much calmer to say what I need to say and leave it there, if the child continues then a time-out trip is in order.

The other night my husband found himself in this trap. When turning into an intersection, he failed to see a person trying to catch the left turn light. He ended up cutting off this driver. The driver of the other car blared his horn and flashed his lights while we waiting for the next light to turn green. After my husband proceeded to go all was well until 1/2 mile down the road when the driver he had cut off decided to pull in front of us slamming on his brakes. Luckily, he was able to stop in time. Instead of just letting it go though, my husband decided to blast his horn and flash his lights.

Why do we feel the need to retaliate? Why can't we just turn the other cheek? Why can't we softly pat back?

Jesus clearly tells us to resist the evil by not falling into the temptation of retaliation. Still there is something in us that pulls us to be in the right, no matter the circumstance.

As hard as it maybe I am going to continue to try and turn the other cheek, and let God deal with those who push my buttons.

Be Good for Goodness Sakes

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

This morning the news showed a billboard that the American Atheists have displayed. It shows Santa telling people, "Go ahead skip church! Just be good for goodness' sake. Happy Holidays!"

I find this rather funny because to have Santa on the billboard means an acknowledgement of Christmas, because Santa comes on Christmas. To acknowledge Christmas one must admit that God sent a baby as a gift for all of us.

They're website says, "We want people to know that going to church has absolutely nothing with being a good person. The things that are most important during the holiday season--spending time with loved ones, charity, and being merry--having nothing to do with religion."

True enough one doesn't need to go to church to be a good person. There are plenty of people out there. Good people who have never set foot in a church. The point of attending church though is to be with other believers and worship God. To a group who doesn't acknowledge God this would be hard to understand. A belief in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit just helps us to get through the hard times.

The news also shared about a group of teenagers who were in an accident last night, ironically they were on their way to church. Unfortunately, one of the teenagers lost his life and the two others are clinging to life. The father of the teen who died shared on Facebook about his devastation and how he will cling to his faith that one day they will be together again in the arms of Jesus.

That's what this season is really about faith, hope, and love.  It's not about religion. Jesus wasn't born a Methodist, Baptist, Lutheran or Catholic. Jesus was born a Jew in a stable. He is the promised Messiah the one God told Isaiah, Micah, and Zechariah to tell about. He was born just as God said. He is God's gift of love.

He came to become the sacrificial lamb, so that we could enter heaven when we die. Then we can be in the arms of Jesus and be reunited with those who believed and accepted before us. That's what our hope is.

We celebrate Christmas because we have a faith, a belief in things not seen or have to be proven. So that's why we go to church to worship our God and celebrate all that He has done for us. Because we know we can never be good enough no matter how good we are. We understand there are good people in all walks of life just like there are bad people in all walks of life.

So this Christmas I will be in church not because of religion but because of faith. I will indeed be celebrating with loved ones, giving to charities, and well being Merry not because of an obligation but because I believe!
So Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

No Decorations

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:6-7 NIV

A barn, a stable, a cave...whatever it was it was a place for animals to be protected. There wasn't a Christmas tree or stockings hung by a chimney with care. There was sheep, most likely a donkey, possibly a cow, and whatever other animals who were someone's property. There were no twinkling lights and no Santa.

Just a husband and his wife giving birth to a baby. Not just any baby, but the promised baby who would one day save the world.

This is indeed my favorite time of year. I love to go through the boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations we have collected over the years. I enjoy looking at each ornament as I place them on the tree remembering when my children were little. Christmas bears once again fill my living room. The house once again smells of pine.

Decorating can be a lot of fun, maybe that's why some of us like to start before Thanksgiving has even come. We just can't wait to get our house ready. But what are we getting it ready for? The expectation of an elf or Santa? Or are we getting it ready to remember that first Christmas so long ago?

It's great to see people excited for Christmas. It is a special day. It'd be great though if the excitement could last past December 25, because really that is just the beginning of the Christmas season. It really should last until at least Three Kings Day. A day when we remember the wisemen visiting Jesus with gifts.

We shouldn't be ready to pack the decorations away just as soon as December 25th is done. We should allow the excitement to continue through at least the New Year. After all a birth of a baby is worth celebrating a few days at least.

We Must Pray...

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44 NIV

Pray for Paris

Pray for Beruit

Pray for wherever they may strike next

These senseless attacks and the people who they hurt, families who lost a loved one or their loss of a sense of peace certainly need prayers. I wonder though are we missing something?

Terror begins to fill us when we hear of these attacks and the uncertainty of more. We begin to become uncaring and say we don't want to help out and allow refugees here. We worry about ourselves and stop thinking about others.

Is this how we are called to be? What if they didn't let the great, great, great, great grandma of ours here? Would we be living here now?

The Lord tells, "So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10 NIV  and in Psalm 23:4b "I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me."

God wants us to trust in him, and move forward in His strength. We are not to hide away in fear, and we are to love people He after all created each of us. Sure some of those he created have turned away and don't want anything to do with Him. It's those we need to really be praying for.

We need to pray that those who want to strike fear in us.  We need to pray that they would find the true God, that their plans would be stopped, and no one else would have to die. We need to pray also for those who have been displaced and have no where to go and just maybe their new home would be in America.

"With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." Psalm 108:13 NIV

Not That Different

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7 NIV

Walking down the gang plank I expected to see something different. Huge palm trees, a volcano, tropical flowers...what I found instead; a street lined with stores, cars, and the same old hustle and bustle of home. The next country we went to was about the same. The only difference was all their road signs were in Spanish.

One would think "I'm in another country, shouldn't it seem different." Instead, I had to keep reminding myself, "I'm not in America."

The people weren't even that different except they really wanted me to spend my money.

"Need a sombrero"

"Mayan calendar only a dollar, cheaper than Walmart."

Here in America we have a smorgasbord of different people-Hispanic, Oriental, African, Egyptian, Greek, Jew...we may well represent the entire world.

When I think about it, I realize we aren't really all that different. That's why I get so upset when the racism card gets played.

Recently my sister-in-law had the racism card thrown in her face. One afternoon as she was driving students home from school and fight between two girls broke out; resulting in her having to call the police to ensure the safety of her and the other students. The following week when she had to get onto these girls again, they made it clear that she was just picking on them because their skins were a different color than hers.

This began to make her job rather difficult, every time she would have to remind any student the rules on the bus they would play the racism card. What I don't understand is why? Shouldn't students be expected to behave no matter what color their skin is?

I sincerely try to look at a person and not look at the color of their skin, I mean God created them just like He created me. There are times though when I look at someone and I just feel unsafe. It has nothing to do with the color of their skin.

My husband and I were having dinner at a local restaurant when this man walked in with a backpack on his back and a hoody over his head. That wouldn't have bothered me, it was the way he acted that wanted me to get out of there as soon as we could. He supposedly just wanted the restaurant to let him get a drink of water which they did, but then he kept circling in front and at one point ended up walking in from the back entrance. This man frightened me and it had nothing to do with his skin color, it was the way he acted. By the way he was white.

There have been other times when I had a certain feeling about someone and I turned out to be right about the way I felt. Not sure why I felt this way, maybe God was sending me a signal, a sense that I needed to watch out for him.

Try as I may, I try not to judge a person by their outward appearance. God has made each and everyone of us. He loves all that He made, in fact He calls all He made good. So unless I get a strange feeling about someone, I will try my best to show God's unconditional love the way He would.

Sometimes It's Just to Much

Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Matthew 26:38 NIV

Full time work, activities, illnesses, meetings, being pulled in ten different directions...life has a way of becoming overwhelming. We tend to think people will be disappointed in us if we don't live up to their expectations. We worry what people think when our kids misbehave. We fret over disappointing our parents or spouse.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we over-commit and fill our days to the max? Could it be our fast paced society puts undo pressure on us? Or do we cause this to ourselves?

There are times when my schedule is so full I feel like I don't even have time to breathe let alone take time out of my busy day to spend time with God. I get caught up in the planning or making sure everything is going to work out that I forget God needs to be at the center.

This past weekend we held our annual God's Harvest Festival. This year I felt a bit ill prepared as we were on vacation a couple of weeks before the event. We also planned a 25th anniversary celebration the Saturday before. My time became consumed with a project I had for the anniversary party, I hadn't forgotten about the festival I just became preoccupied.

The week before I became frantic, I began to wonder would everything turn out alright? We had a volunteer sign up sheet with one name on it. I really would have liked it to be full. There was a new game we tried last year and I really wanted to improve it for this year, some how the ideas wouldn't come. My best bet for this night was to leave it in God's hands. That it was I did.

The night turned into one of our better nights. A few of the youth took over setting up the new game and had wonderful ideas. Every game booth had a volunteer, people donated food and candy, and everyone seemed to have a grand time.

Becoming overwhelmed is a part of our lives. Jesus even became overwhelmed. The night he was going to be sent to the cross all he wanted was his friends to stay awake and pray with him. He knew that the anxiousness he was feeling could only be calmed by his heavenly Father. He got his team on board and had them pray for him while he tried to get a grip on what lied ahead.

Maybe when the craziness of life begins to consume us we can get our team of prayer warriors on board and go and meet our heavenly father. Then we can find the peace we need to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Life is Full of Twists and Turns

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die...a time to weep and a time to laugh...a time to mourn and a time to dance...a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing...a time to be silent and a time to speak...Ecclesiastes 3:1-2a, 4, 5b, & 7b NIV

These past months have been a time of remembrance. I searched through old photo albums to find just the right pictures to tell the story of our past 25 years. My husband and I just celebrated 25 years of marriage this past week. Taking the trip back down memory lane was enjoyable. It amazed me how quickly these 25 years have flown by.

In the midst of our celebrating though, some friends of ours are mourning. Mourning the loss of a husband, father, grandfather.

Right before we left we heard the unexpected news of the passing of one man. He attended our church and all summer he spent in the hospital fighting for his life. A few weeks ago he was able to come home and was well on his way to recovery. He was driving on his motorcycle when someone ran a stop sign. We were in shock.

How could this happen? He wasn't much older than us. His wife and him have been together just about as long. We'd only just begun to know him.

We began our cruise with them on our mind. We were able to relax and have a good time. We celebrated as a family our 25 years of marriage. We were disconnected from the world and Facebook. It was nice to talk face to face rather than send a text. Even though when someone was lost on the ship it would have been a lot less steps to send a text asking where they were rather than searching for him/her. The search though let me walk more steps and my Fitbit was proud of me.

The day we arrived home, we were excited to reconnect. We saw how a friend was back in the hospital. We prayed, we'd hoped it would be like his other stays in the hospital. I contacted his wife but she didn't sound very hopeful. Still I prayed for healing, God could work a miracle, right?

We were busy with unpacking and preparing for our anniversary celebration with friends and family. Our friend was never far from my mind. I prayed and still hoped. My husband stopped by and visited, but he wasn't very encouraged. The next morning our friend went home to be with Jesus.

He left behind a wife and two young sons. Our hearts broke once again. This couple would have celebrated 25 years this spring. Instead of looking ahead to the future, both of these woman are dealing with the loss of someone they've loved for a long time.

I know God has good plans for each of them. I know that death is a part of living. It just can be so hard to go through it. Hopefully one day they will feel like dancing again. One day the laughter will return. Life can be tough sometimes, the road you were on takes a new turn and a new journey has begun. Reach out to God, He can see you through.

Get Out of the Way

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV

"Where is it? Why can't I find it when I want it? It appears whenever I'm not looking for it, but as soon as I want it. It's gone." Looking in the Tupperware cabinet for a lid can be challenging. I thought I out smarted the lids by putting them in a bowl, but no one still slips away and hides.

Sometimes I purposely avoid using one of my bowls because I can never find the lid when I want it. Today though I had no choice, all the other containers the right size already have food in them so I have to use this one. I looked and looked through the lids, not there. Of course not, it's never around when I want it.

Finally, I lifted the bowl containing the lids out of the cabinet and sure enough there it was hiding behind all the others.

A few weeks back I had a very stressful week. Each day seemed to be more stressful than the day before. If it wasn't one thing going wrong it was another. The children in my care were the worse they'd been in awhile. Finally, I lost it I sat there crying. I was at my wits end. I had been praying specifically for each child and the problem I was having with him/her. The more I prayed the worse they became.

This weekend I was reminded that I need to get rid of all that entangles me. I need to free myself from things that get in my way of being in His glory. Finally, I prayed and left it all with Him. His goodness finally was found underneath all the frustration and stress.

Hurricane Grace

From his fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. John 1:16 NIV

"Another storm in the Atlantic, Tropical Storm Grace," came the meteorologist's report.

"Did I just hear that right? A storm named Grace?" I questioned myself.

Grace what a name for a storm, I mean if it turned into a hurricane what kind of destruction and devastation could it leave behind. Not exactly the idea I have for grace. Luckily, Tropical Storm Grace dissipated in the Caribbean.

Grace, God's amazing grace-God's Riches At Christ Expense.

God's grace has always been there. It's been there since before He created the world. God's grace has been there from the moment you were conceived. He has always loved you and cared for you and He always will. He woos you to Him, calling you, caring for you, being there for you even before you recognize that it's Him.

So we've messed up, we've done things we hope nobody will ever find out. God has a cure for that. It is through His son's sacrifice that we are saved. This is where Christ Expense comes in. He came to earth for one purpose, to become the unblemished lamb to take on all the sins of men/women. He took these on himself even before we were born. The only way to receive this grace is to accept this free gift Christ has given you. He will bear your faults, sins, secrets...don't worry He can take it.

Maybe if Tropical Storm Grace had become a strong Hurricane we could have seen all of our messes and mistakes spinning around the center, the eye. God is like the eye, the calmness of the storm watching us all spin out of control. Each of us creating our own havoc, with Him just sitting there wondering when we will come to Him and His calmness. Then once we do He will calm the winds and dissipate the storm.

God's grace will bring you many blessings, blessings that only He can bring.

Emptiness

"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ a lamb without blemish or defect." 1 Peter 1:18-19 NIV

Have you ever felt empty? Like somethings missing? You can't quite figure out what it is, but you desire to fill it.

You've tried lots of things to take the emptiness away. You thought love from others would fill it. Soon though you learn of the heartbreak loving others brings. Maybe the person hurt you physically or mentally. Maybe the person left or died. Sure there's a natural emptiness when you lose somebody you love, but how long has the emptiness consumed you?

Maybe the love of others wasn't enough or didn't work, the emptiness only grew larger. Soon you were trying to dull the emptiness with alcohol or drugs. The emptiness stays away just for a short while, but soon it comes back and one drink or one pill doesn't fill it enough. After awhile it takes more drinks or more drugs to get to a happy fulfilling place.

Instead of these things maybe you've tried exercise to immerse yourself in. You workout until you hit the max of what your body can handle and then you push it more just so you don't have to think about this void in your life. Maybe it's books, movies, social media, video games...still in all you've done nothing has taken away this longing, this missing link that has a hold on your life.

No worries, I have felt the emptiness too. Fortunately, I found what fills it. Sure my life isn't perfect, it isn't without troubles. People I love still suffer from illness or die. I still have a longing, but it's different. Now it's a longing to know Jesus more.

My emptiness has been filled. You see I believed others when they said I needed Jesus. At the age of twelve I asked him to forgive me and come live in my heart. It was superficial, but it was enough to keep praying to him daily. "Now I lay me down to sleep...God bless my mom, my dad, my brother..." I might have cracked open the Bible on occasion, but mostly it sat on my shelf. You might say I didn't trust God enough to make Him my pilot, He was OK just sitting in the passenger seat.

One day though when all was falling apart around me, I cried out to Him, the one who saves, the one who can completely fill my emptiness. I surrendered that day, I asked Him to become Lord of my life and I would do whatever He asked me to do. I never have regretted a minute of it.

You see nothing can fill the void in your life except the love, trust and faith in Christ. No matter how many friends, lovers, drinks, drugs, exercises, books, movies, social media sites, video games...it will never be enough. Only HE can satisfy.

Distractions Abound

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" Luke 10:40 NIV

Some of you may be thinking I've heard that verse before. Why is it when someone's distracted this the verse that comes up? Maybe because when looking through the Bible this is the only one with the word distracted in it.

Distracted is exactly what I've been. Yesterday I sat down to write my blog and I became distracted with other thoughts. I couldn't figure out which way I was supposed to go, so I put the computer aside thinking I would come back to work on it later. Later never happened because of distractions.

The entire summer break became a distraction with all the obstacles that came my way. I'm not quite sure how many fights I broke up or how many times we were late leaving on a field trip because I would get distracted while trying to prepare our lunch and things we needed to bring. One big distraction came when my husband was hospitalized. Funny how life has a way of distracting you from what you desire to do.

Ideally my summer should have been filled with time to finish my fourth book and time to work on editing the second one, so I could possibly publish it this fall. Usually, I have extra time during the kids rest time to work on things like that. I also had plans to work on some of the extra cleaning that needs to be done, but none of those things happened.

Even as I sit here trying to write this blog, I'm distracted. Distracted by the little ones I care for, distracted by the pest control company, distracted by the peaches I put on the stove and completely forgot about because of the distraction of getting the laundry done.

Distractions are a part of life. We even have an extra distraction when our phones go off because of someone texting us, a Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or email update. Funny how sometimes we think we need to drop everything just to respond.

Maybe the reason this verse is the only one that talks about distraction is because the answer to our distractions is in the following verse. "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are distracted about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken from her."

Choosing the better...to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to what He is teaching. So maybe it's time I get off of here and chill on my couch and devour the words the Lord has so graciously given to me.

Just Because You Say It's True

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Psalm 119:160 NIV

Saturday I had the chance to hear different inspiring messages. One phrase that stuck with me was "Just because it's true for you, it doesn't make it true."

Right now we are living in times whenever someone thinks something is true, he/she then tries to push this truth on to others. If you don't get this truth right with certain groups they quickly make you out to look like a fool and demand you make an apology. Sometimes this truth isn't true at all, but it sounds good so then everyone is told to buy into it.

So how do we determine what is true. Do we trust our news media? Do we trust our family? Do we trust our friends? There are so many "truths" floating around where do we go?

For me I've found the only way to find out if something is true is to look to the source of all truth. Some may not like the source, in fact some may say "That was written by a lot of different authors and it was written so long ago that it doesn't pertain to today." It's true the source in which I go was written by different people and was written a long time ago, but I believe each author was God inspired.

As I have journeyed through this adventure called writing, I understand how each author could be God inspired. At times I sit down and think I'm going to write about one thing and by the time I've finished the message I've written has turned into something completely different than I thought. Most every time before I write I ask God to lead me into the message He wants, and you know what he does. So I am pretty certain that each author of the source I go to was led by God to write what He wanted them to.

Sure the source I go to was written a long time ago and some of the stories are a bit confusing to understand. I struggle through the names and who beget who. Still I am usually inspired by something I find in this source. To my amazement on several occasion I have been led to the same verse several times throughout the day. Every once in awhile I have been asked to share a certain verse with others and sometimes this particular verse is exactly what they needed to hear.

Some may say that God didn't mean it that way, He really meant it this way. If He only was around today, He would be alright with it. Not so, God is around today and He still means what He said. He doesn't change.

Sometimes when the source doesn't give me the message I need. God will point me to His truth in other ways through prayer, songs, and messages from others.

So even if a certain truth is right for you, I will check with the most reliable resource the Bible and God. If after consulting Him then maybe your truth will be true, but maybe it won't be. My truth comes from the LORD and I stand with Him.

So Much to Live Up To

I love the house where you live, O Lord, the place where your glory dwells. Psalm 26:8 NIV

As a wife, mother, daughter, sister...sometimes there is a lot of pressure to live up to some type of standard. A standard where everyone expects so much from you. At times I fail, at times I succeed, and other times I just barely get by.

To my surprise I realized this standard that I try to live up to isn't exactly the standard that God had planned for me. A lot of things change in the world and these changes soon become the norm, what we as women are expected to live up to.

One of these expectations we as women are to live up to is Susie Homemaker. A woman who has the perfect children, who are dressed in the finest clothes, and participates in all the extra circular activities they can. She makes sure her family eats the best food and always has more than enough for those friends that might stop by. Her home is always clean; no crumb, no dust, nothing out of place. She either home school's her children or participates at the school as class mom. She keeps her weight down. She always willing to help out.

Another expectation is Superwoman. We probably know her. She is at the top of career. Her children are also perfect and she balances home-life, career, hobbies, exercise, and volunteering. She soars at everything she does. She comes home from work and prepares her family the five course dinner. She never yells at her kids, and she makes sure to spend the quality time with each one of them. Her house is also clean and she makes sure her children's grades are perfect. She does everything well.

A Biblical example of a woman we feel we need to live up to is the Proverbs 31 woman. I am sure you've heard about her. She rises before the sun is up and prepares breakfast and has her day's tasks figured out. She's a wise business woman. She makes everyone's clothes and linens. She makes sure her husband is well known and respected. She has a great sense of humor and never worries. She is kind and well liked. She surpasses everyone in all she does.

So with all theses expectations just what are we to do? Whose standard should we live up to? Do we try to be the homemaker, superwoman, or the Proverbs 31 woman?

I believe we should live up to what God expects of us. I have tried to live up to other people's standards and you know what it doesn't work. I ended up frustrated, worried, and a failure. It's when I started seeking God that I finally found success. I live to please Him and that for me has made a difference.

A Little Reminder

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of hope offered to us maybe greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:18-19a NIV

At times I pray and feel really close to God, I feel like I know His plan and I'm pretty sure about the way something is going to turn out. I mean I wouldn't guarantee it, but I get this feeling and usually my feeling is pretty accurate.

These last few weeks though, my knowing God's plan has not gone so well. My husband ended up with a foot infection. I really thought that if he just took my advice and the took the medicine the doctor prescribed things would turn out alright. Instead he ended up hospitalized for a week.

I was mad at God and mad at my husband. I thought we were doing what God required of us and yet God knew he needed to be in the hospital. There he was able to get the best treatment for him. Still I felt tossed by the waves and thrown a bit off course.

The next big wave hit me, I would now need to take our seven campers from church to camp without my husband. This wasn't to big a deal because I love to do it. It was just now I would have to get our camper to the campground. Sure I could have someone else do it, but I felt like God wanted me to ride the wave and drive it myself.

This was a big wave to overcome since eight years ago I totaled our travel trailer on the interstate. I have driven our van and camper short distances but never on the interstate. So with much encouragement from God I knew I was to defeat this wave. I didn't drive it on the interstate, instead I took the back roads. We all got there safe and sound.

There were still more storms for me to conquer throughout the week. In my head, I always assumed that since my husband had two weeks of sick time and four weeks of vacation time if for some reason he ever had to miss work his time would be covered. Boy was I wrong. To our surprise once out for ten days one is required to take a medical leave. I was surprised even more when one of these weeks he was out had already been put in for vacation months ago, so I thought he should have been good for at least three weeks.

As all of these waves and storms continued to hit me, I was worried. I mean I know God has it all in His hands, but at times I still worry.

God spoke to me several times through out my week at camp. The meeting place was an anchor, a song we sang was about an anchor, and one night the message was about God being our anchor. You see even when my boat spins out of control, the one thing I can rely on is God is my anchor! Even if I need to reminded of that.

Really God, Did I Need More?

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

When life deals you lemons, make lemonade.

What if I don't like lemonade?

Life continues to be crazy right now. I believe my stress level was at its peek. I really couldn't handle just one more thing.

Usually my summers are a little less crazy. I usually have more time to relax a little more, catch up my writing, catch up on my reading, pretty much catch up. For the past month though I feel like I'm lagging more behind and I will never catch up.

It's been one thing after another, after another, after another... There seems to be a joy stealer out there just lurking to take away any joy I might have left.

Even my trip to Texas ended with a problem. Someone managed to steal my credit card number. Luckily, my bank was right on it and not much was taken. Still there was the hassle of getting a new card and switching out my information at a few places. I was OK with this, I mean my card was way out of date. My family had the newest ones, and I was stuck in the past.

During my trip though my husband told me his foot is red and hurts. This was the start of something bigger. He made it to the doctor who diagnosed it and gave him some medicine. So in Texas I researched the problem and offered advice to him to help with the healing process.

After returning home, the foot saga continue with him constantly complaining about it. I gave him more advice, he disregarded it. He recalled the doctor and then was put on antibiotic. I looked forward to a weekend away relaxing, instead I spent the weekend serving. After advice from the ask a nurse, we took him to another doctor who diagnosed it with a completely different thing. New antibiotics and I believed he was finally on the mend. After all the swelling went down.

So I was completely shocked on Monday when he went to the doctor and instead of him saying keep up the good work, he sent my husband to the hospital. I'll admit it, I was upset. This foot thing wasn't a big deal!

I felt like I was ready to explode at a moments notice. I mean this was not my plan, and I was pretty sure this wasn't God's either. I guess I heard Him wrong. So for the next couple of days I walked around like unsure of why this was happening. Finally, I was able to cry and let go of some of the built up frustration I had.

During this I told God I was mad at Him. I knew he'd be OK with that since He already knew it and He understands. I know my little stresses aren't as big as some other people's and I know this isn't that big a deal compared to what other people have to go through. The one thing I do know is God grace is there for me even when I'm mad at Him. I also know He still loves me.

So even though I don't like lemons or lemonade, I can make something wonderful out of this because God works things out for good for those who love Him. I do love Him.

The Floods May Come, But We Pressed On

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. Psalm 16:1

First I had to deal with no air conditioning in the house for four days. Now I know I should be tougher, but I've kinda of gotten used to my house being 78 degrees. When my bedroom reached 90 in the middle of the night, I'll admit it I complained. Lucky us this happened on Friday, so it couldn't be repaired until Monday.

This was not the best time in the world for the AC to go out either. We were beginning Vacation Bible School on the third day of our air being out. So I lacked sleep the first two days and never really caught up.

This year I not only had the privilege of being the director I also had the chance to teach in the Bible story room. This proved to be a challenge. One I wasn't afraid of, just meant more work.

Without much thought, I didn't realize I would be working with children 13 to 14 hours a day. This ended up wearing me out. Still there was a joy in seeing the kids absorb the Bible and the teachings. They could answer my questions and it was fun listening to their responses.

To top my week off, Wednesday for some reason the heavens opened up depositing 4 to 5 inches of rain in less than 3 hours. My helpers who arrived way before I could get there were texting me that streets were closed. Flooding was everywhere and they didn't know if they would make it. Then it hit me without the ones who were stuck, we were down a chef, craft leader, 3 guides and my skit performers. Oh my!

I was a bit overwhelmed as I was now trying to make my way to the church. Prayers were said and I'm happy to say everyone made it. We ended up having

a lot of fun!

So even when the floods come, obstacles try to steal my joy, and make me grumpy and tired I will continue to trust in the one who keeps me safe. He is my refuge and will always be my guide.

Around the Block Answers

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24 NIV

On my comfy couch I sat. I sat and prayed while enjoying the view of the tress out the window. This is my favorite place to pray, most of the time it's quiet and peaceful.

On this particular day, I asked for something and I believed it would happen. I've prayed this specific pray before and I knew that one day God will answer. To my surprise before the day was done God had answered my prayer. I believed it was all going to work out.

To my surprise though, God had a few detours for me to take before the final yes came. I admit while waiting I became distraught. I was totally confused as to why there were stumbling blocks in the path when I felt like God had already answered my prayer.

I believed that the answer for sure would happen on a certain day, and when it didn't I became worried. Did I hear God right? Was this just my plan and not His? Why did I think it was a yes when now it looked like a no?

During my prayer time that day, I still praised Him. I still asked. I tried to leave it at His feet, but again I picked it up. I wasn't done worrying about it. Finally by that evening, I surrendered everything to Him. I said, "whatever happens, happens."

To my delight God answer was a yes, it just came a day later than I expected. God's timing is always right on time even if He has to go around the block first.

Rule Follower or Rule Breaker

Keep my commandments and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 7:2-3 NIV

Rules they are meant to be followed, aren't they? Why else would the law makers make them? But have we gone a little crazy with some of the rules we have made?

Now most of the time I try to follow the rules. I stop when there's a red light or stop sign (at least most of the time, there was that time I never even saw the traffic light). I usually go the speed limit (at least most of the time, there are times when I'm singing or just thinking about something and I look down only to realize I'm going way to fast.)

While working I try to follow most of the rules set by the county, but I've been caring for children for twenty-six years. I believe I know what I'm doing, and some of this new stuff they come up with is just beyond crazy. I think most of the time the people who set these rules have never spent a day, let alone an afternoon, caring for children. Now don't get me wrong I try my best to keep the children I care for safe because I love them and don't want anything to happen to them. Some things though are just common sense.

Even in the church, there are some crazy rules put into place. I mean there's a book around 800 pages long just full of rules we as a body of Christ are to follow. Again, I try to follow them but teaching and serving God are the rules I like to follow.

God made a pretty simple list of rules for us to follow. Some people don't want those displayed anywhere because it might offend someone. But those ten rules are a lot simpler to follow than the thousands of rules set by man. They are pretty simple to memorize, in fact, there is a song the kids and I learned to help us out "The Ten Commandment Boogie"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF7FCw60laM

So if you were to ask me if I follow the rules, I'd say "Yes, I follow God's rules and I'm gonna dance them until I die."

Faithfulness Continues

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5 NIV

"Why am I feeling this way? It's not like tonight is her last night of dance," I questioned myself as my throat clogged up and I felt the tears coming. I thought I was ready and was tougher than this. Sure I knew tears would come, but not quite yet.

This baby of mine, we go way back. After the birth of our second son, I began praying for a daughter. Not for her to come right away, after all I wanted to enjoy my new baby, but one day. I told God several times I'd like a daughter.

When I found out I was expecting again a couple years later, I knew she was the daughter I'd asked for. Sure I still wasn't positive, but I had a mother's instinct. So when I went for an ultrasound to see her, I wasn't surprised when she wouldn't cooperate. She was being shy, and God was saying "Trust me."

On the day of her arrival, we barely made it to the hospital. She, like me, was born within fifteen minutes of our arrival. Joy filled my heart as my husband and I rejoiced at her birth.

Joy has filled me most everyday watching her grow up to be a creative young lady. I've tried to raise her the way God intended me too. Sure at times she gets a little quick tempered and doesn't always listen to me, but for the most part she tries her best to walk with God.

There are times when she's made me cry, when she's made me lose my temper, and when she's driven me absolutely batty. Her brothers have done the same. As we complete this journey of her childhood, I wouldn't change a single day, well there was that one day...

This weekend I am sure the tears will fall. I am sure there will be lots of hugs and kisses. I am also sure there will be joy and singing praises to God because His faithfulness to us has seen us through. So congratulations baby girl, I love you!

Now is the Time

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Psalm 100:2 NIV

Darkness had fallen, I decided to do something I had never done before, I walked on the beach alone. I found a seat waiting for me, so I sat. I sat and I listened. Quiet, peace. The waves lapped at the shore, the moon shone down, I could see the water as it went on and on. As I marveled at the world God created, I began to sing praises to Him.

My family and I had climbed for an hour, my legs ached and I had to keep stopping to catch my breath. The trees cleared I looked out and was memorized at how far I could see: the cleared land of the town below, another mountain and another one after that, miles and miles of God's creation. Again I praised God and sang my praises to Him.

This week as I restudied Adam and Eve one of the questions got me thinking, Adam and Eve didn't have a church building to worship God in. They had a garden where they could walk with Him and talk to Him and sing praise to Him (at least until the fall).

Sometimes we get so busy worrying about the building, worrying about the attendance, worrying about what someone is wearing; we forget the reason we meet. We gather together in our places of worship on Sunday mornings to worship the Lord with gladness.

Church though isn't the only place we can worship the Lord. We can worship anytime, anyplace, alone or with others. Whenever we feel the urge to worship we shouldn't be afraid to, we should follow our heart and sing out our praises to God.

P.S. Don't forget to share, like, or follow my Diana Brink Facebook author page or comments for a chance to win a Hurricane Kit and a copy of "After the Storm"

We're Each Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:14-16 NIV

Madness, that's what it is. Simply madness.

Doing something wrong doesn't make it right. It's been said "two wrongs don't make a right." I use that quote throughout my day to teach the children in my care.

I've learned a long time ago that when something wrong happens to me, I need to seek God and ask Him to help me forgive the person.  So I just don't understand how rioting, stealing, destroying, or reeking terror on others helps prove a point.

Each one of us was formed in our mother's womb. We each are fearfully and wonderfully made, no matter the color of skin, hair, or eyes. God was there when we were created. He knew us before our parents did. He wove us together and made us.

It grieves my heart when I hear of devastation happening anywhere. Whether it's by the hand of another or by nature. I understand that we live in a world where things happen. Sometimes people make wrong choices, it happens. The wrong choice is made worse when someone loses his/her life because of that choice.

Seriously the madness needs to end. We need to try and trust each other to do our jobs. When a mistake is made, then admit what you've done and seek forgiveness each of us. God has great plans for each one of us if we'd only ask Him then maybe peaceful solutions can be made.

How Fast Does News Travel?

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 NIV

"What's going on with the Walmart?"

"It's closing for six months due to plumbing issues."

This was my first time hearing of this and apparently it was real recent news. This is not always the case for me.

I really wasn't surprised since one of the cashiers at another Walmart told me when I asked about the bathrooms being closed, "Costumers are real rough on them, I'm glad though I'm not at the other store theirs is even worse."

Soon the news was all over Facebook, all news sources, Twitter and everywhere I went. I was surprised though when I heard all the different rumors that went along with the closure. 

Wouldn't be nice if the news of Jesus and His love spread just as fast? 

A No Brainer

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

So this morning my day was interrupted by a knock at my door. Usually I try to ignore it (well truth be told, I hide). I don't like to answer the door unless it's someone I know. Today though I couldn't ignore it or hide. I was sitting in plain view.

Reluctantly, I saunter over to the door. "Hello, can I help you?" 

I knew before either lady said anything, that they were here to "save me". You know the ones I'm talking about.

"So can I ask you a question?"

"Sure"

"What does the Bible mean to you?" 

Oh, an easy one; a no brainer. Yippee. "God's Holy Word."

For a moment there was silence. I think I stunned them. "Ok, can we leave this pamphlet?"

"Sure," and they were on their way.

God's word is truly Holy to me, something to be cherished, read, and treasured. Most everyday I take time to study, read, and mediate on this precious gift. 

At times I admit I get busy and don't take the time. It's at these times when my path begins to darken and I get confused on which way to go. Lucky for me I realize what's happening before the light completely grows dim. Quickly, I dive back into my instruction manual and my light is bright once more.

A Trip to the Past

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Matthew 27:6 NIV

A simpler time, but a harder time. Into the world of Meg, Jo, Amy, & Beth is where I traveled too. A time when their imaginations ran wild and didn't crave the latest fad. Sure they wanted to fit in, but understood the value of a dollar.

One Christmas their mom found out about a family who had nothing to eat, and even though they didn't have much they took their breakfast to this family. The joy on the family's faces was enough to let them know they had done the right thing. They even rejoiced over eating bread and milk when they returned.

I've also been traveling to Laura's world. She is finally able to attend school and the teacher seems to have it out for her and Carrie. One day she's sent home because of her defending Carrie. Her pa simply tells her, she must obey the teacher and show her respect. Now while reading this I think, "he needs to go to the school and talk with the teacher. The teacher is singling them out." But he is right, they need to obey the teacher. She is the one in charge of the classroom. Of course he kept a listening ear and eventually showed up at the school, but he didn't ever yell at the teacher for punishing his children.

This week is also a week of traveling back in time. A time when we remember all the pain and suffering Christ endured for us. He changed the way we live with His sacrifice.

I always knew he was beaten and suffered a great deal, but I never understood it until I saw "The Passion of the Christ". The gouges on his back, the unrelenting beatings he endured. The nails being placed in his arms and legs. He was innocent. He never committed a sin. He was frighten because he knew what was coming. Yet he did it anyway because he knew about Easter.

So as we continue our journey back through history this week. Remember Christ did this for you, for all of us. He made a way for us to be healed from our past sins, restored to God, and become a new creation and He'd do it all again if it meant you would believe.

No Wound to Big

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 NIV

When have you been wounded?

What happened to crush you?

This past week I was asked to look back on my story. A story that has led me to Christ.

Looking back I remember a fond childhood. One of my earliest memories is running with chickens and dogs. We lived in a mobile home behind a special lady. There was lots of space to wonder and play outside. There was a tree with dangling branches where I like to set up house.

I enjoyed attending church. The congregation was small and loving. Every Sunday I would hug everybody at greeting time. One of my Sunday school teachers was a real inspiration to me. She was young and loved the Lord and teaching us. She taught me how to sign "Jesus Loves Me". It was in this small church where I accepted the Lord.

Eventually we moved to a house, we even had the fun of watching it being built. Move in day turned out to be my ninth birthday.

My teen years brought about the normal ups and downs. I really enjoyed when my aunt would come spend a week with me. She was a real inspiration. A new church brought more teachers or pastors who loved the Lord.

Soon I was all grown up, sure I have made mistakes. But I think having Jesus as my Savior kept me from making some big ones. Even if I did I know God loves me and would forgive me.

Any wounds I have incurred I most likely inflicted myself with decisions I made. Some of them I don't really want to remember, but I know those injuries have made me who I am today.

Everyone of us has some kind of wound that needs healed. The good news is Jesus has already been pierced, crushed and suffered punishment for any and all wounds. Because it is by His wounds we can be Healed!

Praising in a Different Way

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 1 Timothy 2:8 NIV

The weekend was approaching, one I was looking forward to. Mainly because during the weekend I would have a chance to sing praise songs with teens. There is something special about being in the chapel singing worship songs to the Lord. Especially being in a chapel full of teens who love the Lord.

The day before though, illness struck. The aches, the sore throat, the coughing, and laryngitis. I thought about not even attending the weekend, I figured they could manage without me. But my daughter was also going to be there and I really wanted to be able to serve with her. So I doctored myself up, and decided to go.

I managed to communicate slowly and quietly. Time came though to sing, there was no way I could do that. I wanted to praise God, and singing in my head just didn't have the same meaning for me. This was a time when I was grateful for sign language.

I use the signs I can remember when I sing. Even though my memory isn't the greatest at remembering the different signs. Still I try.

Singing with my hands when I didn't have a voice, still made the singing meaningful. I was still able to praise the Lord even though my voice didn't cooperate. The time was meaningful and filling, just as much as I hoped it'd be.

Your Baby Has Less Hair Than Mine

If he anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Galatians 6:3-4 NIV

"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."

Comparing ourselves to others, it's easy to get into a habit of looking to see what others have done. I've done it myself.

When my kids were younger I would compare what my child could do to what other's couldn't. If one of his/her friends had a new skill I wanted mine to learn it. I remember once while shopping a woman came up to me and my precious one year old and said, "your baby has less hair than mine."

I really didn't know how to respond. So I didn't. Now I could have found the latest fix for growing baby's hair, but I didn't. I knew one day he would get hair and hair he did indeed (remembering the mop phase). After this I was just grateful for every skill each of my children learned whenever they learned it.

Sometimes I've compared my self in my business. When my day care numbers are down and I see another provider with a full house, I wonder why and what could I do better. The same thing happens at church when children aren't attending like they used to and other peoples ministries are flourishing. I look for ways to improve. Or with my writing. Why does that person get so much more attention? It's all in God's hands.

Comparing ourselves is quite common.

Paul is telling us here though, that we should focus on our own personal responsibility. We should each look at what we are accomplishing for God and take pride in our own walk of faith.

So the next time I try to compare myself to someone, I should instead step back and look to see if I've accomplished what God wants of me. Then be proud of what He's accomplished through me.

You Can't Stop Me

Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV

A few days ago I read something that bothered me. "Why do you pray while driving? Doesn't God know what you need, so why bother?"

Now this bothered me not only because someone I care about who wrote it, but I pray all the time when I'm driving. Why wouldn't I? There are a lot of crazy drivers out there.

Prayer is simply having a conversation with God. Most of my day is spent in prayer, sometimes it's simple like "Help me out here." Other times it's a little more complex, "She's in the hospital again, please let her have a speedy recovery."

He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him. 1 Chronicles 5:20b NIV

So why do I bother to pray when God already knows what I need. Because it brings me comfort and peace. Sure God can handle things without me, I mean He has been around since before He created the world and He'll be around a long time after I leave here.

But my time spent in prayer helps me face everything I need to. Sometimes my days are peaceful, sometimes my days are chaotic, and sometimes I simply don't understand. The time I spend with God, whether it's a quick prayer or it's a long day after day problem, helps me get through it.

Ask and it will be given unto you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened unto you. Matthew 7:7 NIV

Another reason I pray is to ask. I ask God for things, and a lot of time He gives them to me. When I first started deepening my trust in God, I would ask for things and He would grant my request. Maybe it was so I would learn to trust Him. I'm not sure, but through that I've grown to understand that God's plan is better than mine.

Some may wonder how can that be since the person I loved the most died anyway. Or you may wonder why you're still sick why can't you just get well? How can this possibly be what's best for me?

It's hard to go through situations, illness, tough times...but for me I know it's when I've gone through these valleys that I've been made stronger.

Some may think I'm weak because I pray. It's in my weakness though God is made stronger maybe not in your life, but in mine.

Each of us have our own journey to walk, our own problems to face and through these situations we each have a choice to make-Do I trust God to see me through or do I try this on my own? And to those who try it on their own I have question for you-how's that working out for you? Why not give prayer a try, what could it hurt?

Just One More Snooze

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 NIV

"It's to early, I just went to sleep." I whined as the alarm went off. Snooze was a convenient button to push, and soon the alarm would be completely turned off. It was my only day not to have to be somewhere.

I had begun a paper route, a seven day a week (holidays included) work week. The middle of the night was when I had to report for duty. The reason I chose to do this was because day care business was down and I was able to bring the boys(before the girl) and my husband with me. Yes, he helped bag the newspapers as I flew through the neighborhood tossing papers out the window. The boys snoozed away in their car seats.

It was quite an adventure not being able to sleep a full eight hours in a row. This is why when Sunday rolled around it became easier and easier to not get up and go to church. We wouldn't be missed and we certainly wouldn't miss going.

How wrong I was?

We did indeed miss going. It seemed the more we missed the worse our attitudes became. Things didn't go as smoothly as they should have. There was a void, an emptiness. We tried to dismiss it.

We still prayed before meals. We still knew God was there, but somehow He wasn't as close.

Our friends at church checked on us a few times, sure we missed them but not enough to go back at least not right away.

Luckily for us, this skipping church didn't last long. It was short lived.

Even now several years later we have obstacles that pop up every Sunday trying to keep us from church. The snooze button still calls. Everybody doesn't get ready on time. Arguments occur. Cars break down. Illness strikes. Something gets left behind that's needed for service.

Sure missing out on gathering together isn't a crime. Sometimes things happen and it just can't be helped. We though must not give up on meeting together. It's in the meeting that we can fellowship, we can encourage, we can love, and sometimes we can eat. Most importantly though we can fellowship and worship God, and that is something worth getting up for!

Waiting in the Drawer

Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls ever before me. Isaiah 49:15b-16 NIV

They sit in the drawer patiently waiting for their turn. Several are before them, slowly the others get used finally, it's their turn but they get left and the one under them gets used. Over and over again this happens. I feel sorry for them. I don't have the heart to throw them away. In fact, I usually don't overlook them I use them.

When I ask my family why they don't use those two spoons, they say "they taste funny" or "they're rough." Well if you fell in the disposal and forgotten until the disposal's turned on, you'd be a little beat up too. The spoons are slightly discolored, rough and don't shine anymore, but they still work.

There have been times when I've been overlooked or forgotten. Growing up when teams were chosen, I'd always be picked last. New school years didn't usually bring me new friends at least not right away. On the school bus I'd be the one sitting in the seat by myself. I never got the lead in any play. Even cover dish dinners would leave me sitting at the table by myself.

Things are a bit different now, funny how becoming a pastor's wife leads people to sit with you. Even at community cover dishes I never sit alone.

Sometimes though on occasion I still feel forgotten much like the spoons in my drawer. Maybe that's why I feel so sorry for them.

Comfort comes to me though when I remember that God never will forget me. He is always there for me watching over me as I wait my turn and even if I'm skipped, I know He will continue to use me for the glory of His kingdom.

I've Finally Arrived

Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 12:11b-c

"I've finally arrived," joked the man in line ahead of us as he entered the building and we were still stuck outside.

"We're one step behind you." I joked back as my loving sister-in-law, creative nieces, and artistic daughter waited to turn in artwork at the fairgrounds.

His joke though got me thinking about how many times I have been glad to finally arrive.

The long awaited vacation destinations.

The day my book was published.

My wedding day.

The arrival of my children.

It seems I am always waiting for some kind of arrival. When this happens then everything will be alright. Whenever I get there then I can relax. Mission accomplished, now what?

My guess is we are all waiting for the day when we finally arrive. Now I'm not talking fame and fortune here; I'm talking about the day we arrive at the pearly gates. The day we meet Jesus face to face.

Will you feel you've done all you could have for Him? Will your life have been perfect?

The answer will probably be "No". I have a bad habit of looking back and thinking, "what if I had done this instead of that?" "Why didn't I say that?" My brain always thinks of ideas when it's to late.

I guess all I can do is aim for perfection, even though I'll miss the mark. Focus on what Jesus asks of me and try to show his love to all those I meet.

Then when I do finally arrive I won't look back with regrets; I'll only hear, "well done good and faithful servant."

Almost Drowned

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25 NIV

We were all swimming in at the campground's pool. My mom and I decided to go a little deeper rest assured the little ones were staying where it was shallow.

The lifeguard decided to move, strange life guards don't move unless somethings wrong. My mom and I watched her, strange we thought she's coming our way. That's when I saw him, my four-year-old had followed us out and was now treading water.

My son almost drowned because I was watching the lifeguard! Good thing she was paying attention.

There have been other times in my life when I've felt like I was drowning. At times I felt like we were drowning in our own debt. The amount we owed every month was greater than the amount we took in. We were saved from this drowning by our life Savior. He helped us find a way out of the debt hole; sure we still owe money on things, but we are able to pay and no longer own credit cards.

Recently, I'm drowning in discouragement. Things are not going exactly as I have planned. Attendance has dropped at church and at times I wonder, am I still doing what God asks of me?

Also not as many as I would have liked have been interested in buying my book. Sometimes not very many people even read this blog. Again I ask myself, am I doing what you desire Lord?

It's at these times I look at what I'm doing to keep myself filled-am I reading the Bible enough? Am I praying enough? Am I really doing all God asks of me?

I'll hold up my hands as I sink down and trust that the Lord will pull me out.

This Sunday I'm going to try and expand a ministry we are already doing. After praying about it, I know this is God's plan so I will see where He's going to take it.

Still waiting to follow God's lead on my writing, and in the mean time I will feel blessed even when one person reads what God has put on my heart to share.

Good thing my life Savior is paying attention.

God is Amazing

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NIV

This week was a challenging week for me. One where I continually had to turn to God for peace and assurance. He so graciously answered me, and I found my peace in Him. He after all has overcame the world.

Saturday night I participated in something amazing! Sure it cost me some time and money, but it was well worth it. Especially when I had the chance to look at the crowd of 21,500 people and see stars.

One of the bands encouraged us to light our cell phones, and when we did it was amazing inside the arena. The stars had entered the building.

Have you ever had the chance to sit outside on a clear night and look at the stars in the sky? I have, and it's even better when we are camping. As I sit in my chair I can look up and see hundreds of stars. Then I think how amazing God is, because He made each one of those stars.

On this night at Winter Jam, I felt the same. As I looked out over the crowd shining their lights for Jesus, the awesomeness of God once again filled me. He has indeed overcame the troubles of this world.

Life is Like a Circus

The spirit of the Lord will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 1 Samuel 10:6 NIV

The journey began, I was on the way to the circus. I'm quite certain I've been to the circus before, I remember going I just can't seem to recall when.

After we parked we sneaked a peak at the animals below, there were the camels, elephants, and tigers. Just a glimpse set my heart pounding.

We lined up with all the others who came and patiently waited for the doors to open. Once we entered we made our way to the floor where there was precircus activities happening. Clowns, costumes, weight lifters...they were there waiting to help us enjoy our experience.

Then finally the moment we waited for, "welcome to the greatest show on earth." The craziness began. Everyone made there way out and marched around the arena. The elephants paraded around, the clowns made us laugh, performers danced and wowed us.

Transformation then took place. While our attention was focused on a performance, the crew quickly and quietly changed another part of the arena. Over and over the scenes changed,  the performances changed and I was amazed.

As I sat there taking it all in, I realized our life can be a lot like the circus. Craziness begins, different scenes are changing quickly and quietly while we are paying attention to another area of our life. Sometimes we like the change other times we are unprepared and don't exactly know how to deal with it.

Looking back, I realize how much change has taken place. Somehow before my eyes each of my children have grown into adults, some of those we love have gone on to be with the Lord, children in my day care have had to retire, and I'm a published author.

When allowed God can come in and change us into something better, I'm so glad I've given Him the opportunity to change me.