The Egg Knocking Down The Cross

 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.” Matthew 28: 5-7

Getting eggs the last few months has been somewhat of a challenge, not to mention quite costly. It's crazy how the shortage of something causes chaos and challenges. We all remember the toilet paper craziness of 2020, plus all the other things that happened in that year.

With Easter approaching the egg fun can begin: Easter Egg Hunts, dying Easter eggs, deviled eggs, and egg salad sandwiches. My house has been decorated with Easter baskets, bunnies, a bear, plastic eggs, the resurrection scene, and crosses.

The kids have begun sharing the excitement of what they may get in their baskets and how the Easter Bunny will stop by and hide the eggs. The one year the bunny told their dad exactly where the bunny wanted to hide the eggs.

The one story I haven't heard the kids sharing though is the one that matters. All of these egg activities are fun and are things to look forward to, but we don't want to forget about the cross and the empty tomb.

The story started way before Palm Sunday. It began when the first person sinned and has gone down hill from there. We all have choices to make each day, We may have good intentions- "I promise I'll be good." It isn't long though before wrong choices creep in and before we know it we sin.

There is a problem when we sin, we become separated from God. God is good and He is unable to be around sin because He is Holy-pure and clean. Every sin makes us unholy and dirty. We can no longer be with God.

How sad! God loves us and wants to have a relationship with us but sin gets in the way.

God had a plan. He sent Jesus-God in the flesh-as a baby. Jesus lived and walked here on earth. He taught, healed, and never sinned.

One week 2000 years ago, he entered Jerusalem on a colt of a donkey. Crowds yelled "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." The waved palm branches and put their cloaks on the ground all to pay honor to Jesus.

Passover began- a time to remember when the angel of death passed over the Israelites and they were able to leave Egypt to go worship God after 400 years of living as slaves. Jesus had a room prepared and the disciples and Him took part in the Passover meal. Jesus shocked the disciples by washing their feet. When he took the bread, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying "take and eat this is my body which is broken for you." Then he took the cup, blessed it, and passed it to his disciples saying "Take drink this is my blood which is shed for you."

One of the disciples left to betray Jesus. The rest of the them went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed asking God to take this from Him, but knowing it needed done because we're a mess. Jesus was arrested and taken to stand before Pontius Pilot and others, where the crowds yelled "Crucify Him, Crucify Him"

He was then whipped, had a crown of thrones shoved on his head, and made to carry his cross to Golgotha. He was nailed to the cross and hung there in front of all to see. His body was broken and his blood was shed. All to take the punishment for your sins. There he died.

His body was taken down and placed in a tomb. A stone was rolled in front of the opening and sealed. Roman soldiers guarded the tomb so no one would try to steal Jesus' body.

Early Sunday morning some of the women went to prepare Jesus body for a proper burial. When they arrived the stone was rolled away and it was empty. Jesus is alive!

The empty eggs can help us remember the empty tomb. Jesus death restores our relationship with God, we are forgiven because of what Jesus did. All we need to do is believe and accept.

The egg doesn't knock down the cross, the egg can help us remember the reason for Easter.

How is Your Daily Streak?

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18

Maybe you've heard of this App called Snapchat. The idea is to snap a picture and send it to your friends and then they send you a snap back. That's when you end up with a snap streak, which is very important. If you miss a day your snap streak has ended. Of course the streak can be restored, the first couple times are free but for a slight fee or if you are a Snapchat member your streak can be restored.

It is fun to see your daily streak number grow, my longest streak is 1454 and my shortest is 401. There have been some streaks that we started and then one of us missed a day and now the streak is over. The other person could be like I once was and not quite understand what a daily streak is. Luckily, my son explained it to me. Or maybe the streak doesn't really matter, just seeing a quick snap is enough.

These quick little updates are most of the time a lot of fun. Just a quick peek into what's going on in a person's day.

This got me thinking though- how is your daily streak?

Not your Snapchat streak, but your daily streak with God.

How long is your God streak?

Do you talk with Him daily? Do you pray continually?

God desires to have a quick peek into your life, well actually He would like to have a close relationship with each of us. He wants to hear all your prayers and requests. He likes to know how your day is going. He loves you more than your Snap friends or your family.

He knew about us before He created the world. He knew about us when we were created in our mother's womb. He knows the trouble we have faced and will face, this world is full of trouble because of all the chaos around us. He is there through the rough days and He is there through the joyful days.

Wouldn't a 43,830 God streak be the best streak?

How Do You Face the Storm?

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Life can be downright tough! Sometimes it seems like I'm fighting every step of the way just to keep from being blown away.

This past week I realized that the storm is stronger than I've let on. I seek shelter, hold tight to my umbrella, and wear my jacket but somehow I still get soaked. 

Why is so tough to serve the Lord?

Because there is an enemy the devil prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

He doesn't like to see it when lives are being changed for the Lord. He doesn't like it when someone does all he or she can to serve the Lord. He doesn't like it when you spend time devoted to the Lord. So the devil will put up roadblocks and detours just to get us off track.

These past couple of months, there have been lots of roadblocks and detours. Some of them have hurt deeply and are taking a bit to recover from. 

An unexpected loss of a job sent us scrambling and wondering how in the world are we going to make it through. We did, with the grace of God. Luckily, we had some money put away not a lot but some. Every time I had to touch it, the Lord was gracious through others giving us monetary gifts. Because of this the amount we had when the job was taken away is the same as we have today. God is good! All of our bills were paid and we didn't miss a meal! Praise God!

Another part of the storm that hits hard and has been strong for the last couple of years, is a couple of our children no longer worship in a church. The storm from a few years ago has left them hurt and confused. Now they have gotten used to not going, it feels good to sleep in on a Sunday. They both know the Lord. But we are told not to give up worshipping together as some are inclined to do. Every week I pray for them to get back to church, one day they will.

This week the storm took another turn with one of our family members ending up in the hospital. He is doing alright, but still the storm goes on.

How do I overcome this storm that keeps brewing?

Prayer Warriors! My great cloud of witnesses that at a moments notice will stop and pray. They also offer words of encouragement and are there to help me get through.

Fixing my Eyes of Jesus! Whenever the storm grows big or is scary, I call out to the one who can get me through. He meets me when I read the Bible, read a devotion, sends me the right praise song...Every time I fix my eyes on Him, I can keep going through the storm.

God's Word! The Bible is the living word of God, He sends me the right words, puts a verse in my heart, and gives me a message.

Worship! The right praise songs can get me through a tough moment. I have praise music going most of the day. I even have two in my phone- one set as my notification tone and one as my ring tone. It can drive people close to me a bit nuts because it's longer than a regular tone. But when the children in my care can sing that song as it plays, then I say so much the better. A good worship time at church can also help refill my cup.

The storm is brewing! But I know the one who says, "Peace! Be Still!" So as the storm calms and when it gets strong again! I will continue to run the race and fix my eyes on the One who can make the devil run away.

How's Your Tank?

 Even youths grow tires and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV

How's your tank? Are you running on empty?

We are entering into one of the busiest seasons of the year. This coming week we will celebrate Thanksgiving. Some of us will travel, some of us will stay home, and some of us will have to work.

There are days when I get overwhelmed by thinking about all that lies ahead: decorating, buying gifts, more cooking, cleaning...the list can go on and on. 

Occasionally, I feel like nothing is going right. My body isn't cooperating from arthritis to other aches and pains, from allergies to tummy troubles. I wonder when will my body just work right?

Every so often I get frustrated with those around me. If they would just listen and pay attention things would just be so much better.

Lately, I have grown weary of our income. I had counted on a couple things happening that would increase our income and those opportunities did not happen.

All of this plus other things can cause me to grow weary, I wonder how I can possibly go on? This year has brought about challenges. Trials I was not counting on. It felt like God has said "No" a lot. I wonder "why, why God are you not granting my request?"

Recently, I read the book of Job. This is not a book in the Bible I enjoy- there are a few. This time though I asked God to help me see and learn something new. He granted that request. Job lost everything and yet he never blamed God. He grew weary and wondered "How long?"

“How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone on my head and by his light I walked through darkness! Job 29:2-3

"Those who hope in the Lord, will renew," even though I have been weary I still have hope. 

Hope that Thanksgiving will be a day of thanks and not only that day but everyday to take the time to give thanks to God.

Hope that God will help me organize my day to accomplish what I need to, not all I want to, but what I need to. Our house will get decorated and gifts will get bought or made, somehow. Everything will be clean and food prepared.

Hope that my body will cooperate better and I will take care of myself.

Hope that my reaction to those around me will show His fruits and not my weariness.

Hope that I will trust in God's provisions. That I remember that He has always provided what is necessary and exactly when it was needed.

As I hope God will renew my strength and help me not to be weary. My prayer is that you will also find your hope in Him and let Him restore your strength. He loves you!

Well Excuse Me!

 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

From the moment I saw them, I wondered what they were up to. It is not unusual when we go downtown to see different people on the corner holding signs about what they stand for. Usually, I can walk on by them which is good because I usually have children with me.

This particular Saturday though it was just my husband and me. As we began our walk to where we were heading I hear a lady asking others, "Do you know Jesus?" I thought, "I sure do." So I was prepared if she or anyone else asked me. Because she wasn't alone. There was a problem though, even if the person she asked said, "Thank you, I'm good." She would continue to walk with who she asked for about 50 feet handing papers, hounding this person, and to me that's a problem.

We made it past the first group and then arrived at the corner where we needed to cross the street. We saw a man in the center, he was different. He had a microphone and was preaching to those going by. Every scripture he read, I knew. Then there was the man with the sign "Repent and Believe." He immediately began, "Do you know Jesus?"

"Yes, I'm good."

Then he began to walk with and keep hounding us, where my husband shared, "Listen, I am a pastor."

"Why are you against us then?"

What?

Against them, we weren't against them just the way they were going about sharing Jesus. Hounding and being right there in people's personal space is not exactly the way God wants us to make disciples. Not sure how many are really saved by their approach. 

The couple who was joining us, who already believe just prayed the prayer again to not be harassed. How many others did the same?

How do we make disciples?

By how we live, living in such a way that other's crave to know what makes you different. Sharing God's love with others by making friends and being their friend. Sharing your story of how Jesus has changed your life.

God wants each of us to know He sent His son, He died for each of us for all of our mistakes, and He rose again. If we believe, ask forgiveness, and ask Jesus to be with us then we can be saved.

Pretty sure those on the corner yelling and hounding "Repent & Believe", need a better way to share God's love. 

Walking in Darkness

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

Standing there in the dark cave I couldn't see my hand in front of my face and for a few moments it was alright, still I was craving the light. The temptation to pull out my phone and find the flashlight was crossing my mind. The guide though assured us that if we waited it would be worth it, also while explaining to us that if we stayed in the darkness for too long we would actually go crazy.

So I waited and yes, when he began to turn the lights on it was worth it. It was a simple projector that displayed little lights in the cave, but it was spectacular view. It was like twinkling stars in the sky.

I don't know about you, but I do not like the dark. There is a reason I have a night light in every room of the house. It maybe because my little brother liked to tease me, by hiding around the corner in the dark just so he could jump out and scare me. Walking in the darkness, is no joking matter.

There was a time in my life I walked in partial darkness. I accepted Jesus as a young teen and I knew He was there, but I didn't let Him into all the places of my life into the dark corners. Have you ever noticed that when you do turn on a light in the room, that there is still some places the light doesn't reach?

I had not let the light of the world into all the places of my life. Sure the light guided me, there were times when I was faced with decisions between right and wrong and most of the time I chose to walk in the light. But I still didn't trust completely in the light.

But to have a daily time to read the word and study what the light was trying to say to me, there just wasn't time for that. A simple "Now I lay me down to sleep...God Bless..." was a good enough prayer, right? Still the light was in my life, even when there were dark times.

The day came though that the light needed to get into the corners. My money decisions were leading us to ruin. My husband trusted me and yet I had failed. Could it really be that the world's way of spending our money wasn't the right way? Was maxing out our credit cards and not paying our mortgage not the right way? There was only one way to bring light into the darkness, to surrender to the light.

Now I do not walk in darkness, I walk with the light of life. Will you let the light come in? Will you let the light drive out the darkness? Can Jesus come into all the corners and crevices of your life? 

God's Plans Are Good

 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

We all go through trials. There are times we do not understand what is going on. It is during these times that I try my best to keep my eyes on Jesus.

Several years ago, we had a trial at the church we were serving at. The people in charge wanted to close this little church down. We got on our knees; we trusted God that it was not time for the church to close.

Whenever I need confirmation from God I prayed for a sign much like Gideon, instead of a wet cloth and dry ground I pray for teddy bears in strange places. God has sent them over and over, a bear on a perfume counter, a pest control bear, and even a bear maze through a corn field. These are just some of the teddy bears God has sent me to confirm that it's alright to move forward.

At the time of this little church's decision and how we were to move forward, God sent me several teddy bears in strange places. I had confidence that God would keep this little church open and He did!

At the beginning of the year, we knew there was a small, very small group of people who were trying to do their own agenda. We were uncertain as to what would happen, but we were certain we had God to go to. We prayed and had several of our prayer warriors praying.

Again, when I need confirmation from God, I asked for the teddy bears in strange places. At first I wasn't getting any. This is not so unusual, sometimes God teaches us to wait. At this time I believed that my husband may need the confirmation more than me. God was working on him and his trust. Sure enough once he received his signs from God that we would be able still serve God where we were, I received my confirmation.

This gave me assurance that it would be God's will that we would stay. There was also something different this time, God was giving me other ideas like a home church. He was letting me know even if His will wouldn't be followed He would still have us in His hands. 

There are time when other people do not follow God's will. They make decisions without truly checking with God. There are times when I've followed my own agenda rather than God's, we all do it. The good news is that God still has us.

The night we went to find out if we would still get to serve God where we were, we were 99% sure God's will would be done. Unfortunately, the 1% happened. We would no longer be serving God here. We were devastated. 

But God still is God....

We knew God wanted us to still serve Him. Now the question was "What now Lord?" Is it a home church or is it something else?

A month before we heard the decision of those higher up, my husband needed a retreat. The weekend before I discovered that the pastor of the men's weekend did not have an assistant pastor to serve with him. I suggested my husband go and forget about all the turmoil going on. While he was there he met a pastor of another church, who kept saying "I need an assistant pastor". My husband didn't think much about it after all we knew what God's will should be.

Soon after sharing that God's plan didn't happen, God's other plan was taking shape. No matter how devastated I was feeling I still knew God had great plans for us. This pastor reached out to my husband.

God opened up a place for my husband to continue to follow his calling. A place where he could still serve God, teach about God, and trust in God. A place where I can still serve God, teach about God, and trust in God.

I will continue to seek out God's will and ask for teddy bears in strange places whenever I need assurance. I will continue to follow Him even if other's don't.  I will trust that God knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me.

The same is true for all those who trust in him.

God's Love is Always There

 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7

God's love is always there, it never leaves us. At times though we may wonder "does he even care, because this is not the way life is supposed to be."

Someone we love dies and all we wanted is more time with them. A friend has an illness that the doctors can't figure out. Family members won't speak to you. There isn't enough money to cover this month's bills much less buy food to eat. Where is God's love?

These past two years we wonder where has God gone? Why doesn't He just wipe away this virus? After all I trust in Him, I accepted Him, and I do what He asks of me.

Noah was a righteous man and he had to float on the water for almost a year. David was known as a man after God's own heart. Moses followed God, but He had to stay in the wilderness 40 years and never got to enter the Promise Land. God loved David, even though God loved Him, David spent a good many years running and hiding from a man who wanted to kill him.  Paul was a missionary for God and he spent most of his time in jail.

Life here on earth is hard! I have had to face unplanned surgeries and some days it feels like my body is falling apart. We've struggled to have enough money to pay our bills. My husband and me gripe at each other. We don't live in a rose garden where everything is perfect, but don't rose bushes have thorns?

The good news is every struggle we face, every trial that comes up, every rough patch God's love is always there. The hard days...God's love is there. The unexpected trial...God's love is there. The death of a loved one...God's love is there. In a crisis...God's love is there.

Through it all one thing remains God's great love!

The Bible

 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

God creating the world, Noah building the ark, Moses freeing the Israelites, the Ten Commandments, David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lion's Den,....all of these stories I heard growing up in church. They were stories I heard every year. I also heard about Jesus and how he was born in a stable, grew up and died on the cross, and then rose from the dead.

I would also read these stories in my Children's Story Bible. 

It wasn't until one Easter when our church decided to act out Holy Week. Someone washed my feet and all of a sudden the words of the Bible came to life. Jesus humbled himself and washed His disciples feet. He didn't have to but He did. He showed them how to put others before you. That night I felt the sacrifice this person made to wash my feet.

My first real Bible was given to me at church. It was a Bible geared towards teens, it simply said "The Way". It looked inviting with pictures of teens in the words on the front. I was also given a tiny Bible which just had the Psalms and John. I brought it to Sunday School and we would read it there, but I don't remember reading it at home. The words though were in me.

Whenever I felt scared or unsure, I remembered God could help me. My prayers went from "Now I lay me..." to more personal prayers. At first it was a lot of asking God to help me rather than what do you want me to do, Lord?

Soon I began to hear songs using God's word, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." So when I couldn't handle our money anymore, and we were about to lose our home. I knew the only place to go was to God. He was the one who could take away my guilt and I was willing to deal with the consequences of my bad choices.

This was my turn around. After this my prayer life increased and got deeper. I was asked to coordinate the prayer needs at church. I began reading devotions and the Bible. Did you know there is a lot more to the Bible then the stories I heard growing up?

The Bible is God's living word. It speaks to me when I need it to. It's amazing how I can read a verse one day and then at another time read that same verse and it will speak to me in a completely different way.

Whenever I am having a tough time God's word it there to help me. Of course God is always there for me to talk to, but sometimes He speaks to me through His word. The Bible is that important. Don't be afraid to get it off the shelf, blow off the dust, and open it up a read it. It's time to dive in.

Cats They Are Something

 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 1 John 4:8-9

I watched this black and white cat as he walked across the sidewalk and up our stone pathway. He was cautiously walking up, wondering if it was safe. "Hey kitty, it's alright." He sat there until we sang "Jesus Loves Me".

There our orange cat sits on his perch, not moving much except to eat or to take care of business. If he by chance does step on the floor he does it very cautiously in case she's around, he's afraid of her. Sometimes he takes a chance to traipse around the house, but he knows she's there just waiting.

Our Siamese cat at times can fly through the house often landing on the computer chair so it can roll across the room. She stands at doors "meowing," because she wants to be on the other side. She let's her voice be heard. She will sniff her food and if it isn't to her liking she turns and walks away. 

Our son's black cat is very glad to have company, she will crawl on your lap as soon as you sit down. She stays there as long as you're there. She will appear wherever you are and meow, she likes to be around people.

These cats could easily describe us. We could be sitting on the outside and see people gathering together. We want to be apart of the group, but as soon as we find out they're praising Jesus. We turn and walk a way. Why we would we want any part of that?

We can end up so frightened that we're afraid to move. If we have to go anywhere we move cautiously. We think something is always out to get us. We live in fear.

Maybe we take time to play and have fun, but then we worry about what others are doing. We feel we're being left out. We're finicky and want things our way. We worry.

We could be the one who demands all the attention whenever we're there. We do things to make sure all eyes are on us. We need loved.

Each of us are gifted with a God given personality and it makes sense we are different. We just can't let our personality, worries, and fears keep us from the one who loves us most of all! God is love without him is no real love. He sent us Jesus so we could live our life for Him.

That's A Violation

 For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, Romans 3:22b-24

I believe for the most part I do my job well. Sure there are days when I'm a little grumpier and less patient, but we all have good days and we all have bad days. I know I'm not perfect, but who is?

Since I care for children, licensing has to come in and does inspections. That's perfectly fine with me after all I want to do the best I can and keep the children in my care as safe as I can, so why not be accountable.  For years this has gone well, sure there are things the inspector points out and I do my best to do a better job. Problem is now, I have inspector who is a bit over the top.

One thing to keep in mind, I have a home day care. Which means I actually live in the home where I have my day care. There are other people who live here as well my husband and my daughter. We also have pets: a dog, two cats, and around forty fish. This is our home. At one time I could have become a part of the head start program, it meant a guaranteed salary. The problem was wherever the place was where the kids would be could not be entered or gone through when children weren't present. This would have been totally impossible, so I chose not to take part. We enjoy our home.

I enjoy having a day care in my home and love each of the families that have been a part of my family life. At one time I thought of the kids as nephews and nieces and now I am beginning to think of them as grandkids, they each have a place in my heart and I remember each of them.

Anyway when this newer inspector comes in and she likes to say "That's a violation." She domineers over me and tends to look down on me. It is a very stressful time when she's here. I try very hard to make sure everything is in order and if something isn't quite up to par I will give her a heads up. 

This last time was the backyard wasn't cleaned up yet after the dog, it is done before the children head out. I informed her and her response is "That's a violation." Then she informs me it needs done before children arrive, so apparently before the sun is up I need to clean up the backyard. Not a good idea to do in the dark. Very stressful.

This though has me thinking how grateful I am that God doesn't yell "THAT'S A VIOLATION!" every single time I sin. Just imagine it, I begin to get angry and speak out in anger, "THAT'S A VIOLATION!". I might want to tell a lie, "THAT'S A VIOLATION."

It would stop a lot of us from making the wrong choices, but just think how stressed we would be. God wouldn't be showing us any grace. You know God's Riches at Christ's Expense. We all deserve punishment, but God gives us grace. We are made clean because of what Jesus did at the cross. He took on all of our violations so that we can be forgiven.

Somehow, someway I hope that each of us can know that not one of us is perfect. We all have violations like it or not.

Now to show grace to this inspector and hopefully one day she can find God's grace, so she can show grace to others.

Anxiousness & Fear

 5 Let your reasonableness[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

These past couple of years have caused the most patient and trusting of God people to have days of anxiety. No wonder, since we would hear one thing and then the next day it would be a completely different story.

Before this started we were planning our trip to Hawaii. We cut back on things and saved our money. We researched and figured island hopping would be the best way to go. When we had enough money saved we reserved our vacation rentals and then our flights. When this first happened we believed we would be alright since we were seven months a way from our trip.

We soon realized that our trip wouldn't be able to happen when we planned and moved it six months later. We researched all the requirements for us to go and trusted God to keep us safe. Our first stop went well, we had our negative Covid results and enjoyed our first few days even if we couldn't stay up past 6 or 7 o'clock because of the time change. We saw beaches and mountains, and enjoyed our Luau.

We were excited to head to our next island. Our flight went well, but when we landed the trouble began. We had read the requirements over and over, but somehow we missed we needed a negative test result for each island. So now we were in quarantine until we received our negative result. We weren't allowed to leave where we were staying or rent a car. We were stranded.

This was a rough time. I deeply and truly trust God, but even with this trust I was anxious. My neck and jaw would tighten and I was shaking. I knew we had not done anything wrong and we weren't sick. But it felt like we were criminals. Several times through out this ordeal, I didn't know what to do. Here we were in one of the most beautiful states and we were stuck in our room.

Every time I began to feel overwhelmed with anxiousness, I would pray. When we are anxious we are not fully trusting God. I tried and I tried but my humanness would kick in. It did help to know I had people praying for us, but it still was hard.

Now God did not leave us alone, he allowed us a place to stay. We had a way to get food. The best comfort of all was the cross that was across the street. We knew God was with us, especially when we loaded our negative results and within five minutes we were freed!

Several times in the past couple of years, I have felt this overwhelming anxiousness try to consume me again. Luckily, I have been able to overcome it with prayers and singing worship songs. We will have times when we are shaken, but with God we can overcome our fear because He is bigger than it all.

A Time to Get Back

 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, Luke 10:39-41 ESV

Several times during a devotion or Bible study I have realized God has called me to write and that I need to get back to writing these simple messages. I ask forgiveness and yet, I rationalize that I am writing once a week since I write my children's church message. Or I am writing a VBS, so Lord I am writing. This is not only what He desires from me.

This week once again God showed me that I needed to get back to sharing. Of course I asked Him, "when Lord, I am so busy? Some days I can't even make a phone call, let alone write my devotion."

He said, "make the time."

Saturdays seem like a good day to take the time, so I was det3ermined that this Saturday would me a good day to begin again. Of course as my week progressed, my list for what I needed to do today grew and grew. Then last night the dog decided to bark a few times during the night waking me. I just want to sleep a little bit later on Saturdays, not lose sleep because of the dog. As I laid there debating about getting up God was reminding me-today's the day.

Why do we let things get in the way of doing what God asks of us? Why do we worry about all the details? Why are we afraid to trust in Him?

Well from what I've learned, Satan doesn't want us to do what God asks of us. If he can fill our days up so we are to busy to talk to God, then he can distract us easier. I haven't stopped talking to God. Most days it's an ongoing conversation. There are times when I have had the opportunity to get on and write only to decide that I just want to sit and chill with nothing to do. Some days my days are so busy that I just don't want one more thing added to my list.

God tells us "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worries of its own." So why do we let worry take over. There have been a few times in the past year when anxiousness has tried to consume me. Now my faith in God is strong, but there are still times when I have been shaken. I could feel the tightening in my jaw and the bile rising in my throat because of this worry filling me up. Luckily, I prayed through it. I would remind myself breathe in God, breathe out the anxiousness. Peace didn't enter right away, but eventually it did. I could see God working out the situations, so I knew He had it the whole time.

If I have learned anything over these past couple of years is that trust in God works out a lot better than being anxious or worried about many things. 

I am going to try and not let the busyness of my days get in the way of blogging once a week. Even if only one or two read this, I will know that I am obeying God and sharing what He wants me too. It is time to get back!

Do They Know You're A Christian?

 Do not judge, and you will be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

I don't know about you, but I will be relieved once November 3rd passes. Social media maybe a little more pleasant to look at and read through. Sure November 4th will not be a fun day to look at social media because someone will not be satisfied with whoever wins.

One person on my friends list claims to be a Christian, but his posts do not reflect that. Basically he has said if I choose to vote for a certain candidate then I should unfriend him. He says that we aren't a Christian if we vote a certain way and he wants no part of that negativity. I understand that thinking, but I won't condemn another person for not voting the way I think they should. That's part of our free will whether I choose who he's voting for or I vote for the other candidate it's my choice not his.

My hope that before anyone votes, he or she researches what each candidate believes in. I also hope he/she will pray and listen to his/her heart. If you have done that then I believe God will lead you to the right choice. I will not condemn you for choosing whoever you choose after voting where you heart leads you. I hope that the same is done for me.

Another problem I think we have with anyone in a political position or even star status is we expect perfection. It's like since they are now in the limelight this person suddenly is put on a pedestal and if he/she make a mistake then we better let them know it. You do realize that not one of us is perfect and in need of a Savior.

I don't know about you, but when I make a mistake I don't desire for anyone to keep bringing it up and talking about wherever I go. This is what forgiveness is. Unfortunately,  we now live in a society where when someone doesn't say or do something the way we expected then we need to let them know it right away. I can be guilty of this, I often wonder why my husband doesn't say or do something the way I expected and I might let him know all about it even if I try to keep it to myself. 

As a Christian we are to be learning to be more like Jesus. As Christians we are to live as an example of Christ. We should live each day fully making it count for God. We should not hold onto to our stuff so tightly that we aren't willing to share our blessings. Treasure people, we are each made in his image each one of us is precious no matter our status in life. Don't judge others, show them love. Don't carry baggage from past hurts leave those grudges behind, after all it doesn't bring you joy, does it? Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and on the finish line of entering heaven.

If we each live our life as Jesus did, maybe just maybe we can live a more peaceful life.

If Only...

 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

Were you touched when you saw people along with law enforcement on their knees praying? I know I was. In order to have peace we need to call on God's name and pray. In the praying, we will turn from our wicked ways and humble ourselves.

I recently read an interesting story in "Start with Amen" by Beth Gukenberger. She was living in Mexico where 1782 people had been killed during the drug war. People were afraid to go out at night. A couple months ago, we were afraid to go out at night. One night a lot of vandalism occurred.  Even a trip to go to Bible study seemed frightening.

Salatali, a pastor friend of Beth's, had a dream. He was on a patio surrounded by police officers on their knees praying. So he can began praying for the local police officers. One Sunday a group of men showed up at his church, one of those men was the new director of the Guadalupe police. The other police chief had been murdered the month before. Eventually Salatali began asking if he could visit the headquarters.

The chief finally invited the pastor to share for ten minutes on a Saturday at 6:30 AM. When he arrived he walked through the patio that had been in his dream. He shared every Saturday for the next three months when God spoke to him and told him to start worship. He questioned God, but he brought along a guitar playing worship leader who would then sing in front for a couple of minutes. 

The chief was encouraged and asked Salatali to come every day and teach a class on leadership. God gave the police force victory in the war against the drug cartels. For 28 days not one officer's life was lost!

When a group of people come together for a common goal and they leave room for the Holy Spirit to move, the results are miraculous. Salatali was able to get help from other faith leaders in the community, they spoke the truth to love the police force in their community. The crime rate dropped in Guadalupe, the arrest rates rose, pastors served police families, and people were able to once again go out at night.  

The mayor wanted to give Salatali recognition by giving him the key to the city. Salatali said, "Sir, if you are looking for who deserves the credit for what's happening in our city, it's Jesus. If anyone deserves those keys, it's him." On December 8, 2012, the mayor of Guadalupe did indeed give the key of the city to Jesus.

Can you imagine what are cities would be like if we were to fall on our knees and pray? What if our cities were turned over to Jesus? Then after hearing from God we were obedient to do what He asks of us. Maybe some of us would be called to go to the police station, hospitals, fire stations, or wherever to simply share a message of hope for ten minutes. Changes would happen, simply by praying and sharing God's hope.

I'm Not The Script Writer

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Every night of the play I wrote had gone well, then one night changed it all. There was a problem backstage and once that was taken care of we headed to our places. I took my place waiting for my cue, when I noticed on stage a new actor. This person had not rehearsed with us, he didn't know the part. Then as I listened for my cue, the script had been rewritten.

I was told he was given permission, but since I was the author and director I wondered why I wasn't informed. I accepted it,  since it would look bad to interrupt this scene. The next scene we will get back to the script the way it was written. But this was not the case the rest of the show was chaos. The audience never settled down and I ended up in tears.

Luckily, this was a dream but it sent me a good message "I'm not the script writer of my life."

2020 has shown us that we indeed are not the script writers, but neither are other people. 

Maybe you thought you'd be married by now....

Maybe your plan was to be able to move out on your own...

Maybe you thought you'd be working...

Maybe you planned to have your dream wedding...

Maybe you thought married life would make your life wonderful...

Maybe your plan was to have a baby...

Maybe you thought you would have your dream vacation...

Maybe your plan was to have a graduation ceremony...

Maybe you thought you could worship in church...

Maybe you planned for someone to recover...

Our plans don't always go the way we scripted it out. Sometimes someone comes in and rewrites the script causing chaos. What are we to do when life seems to spiraling out of control? Go to the one who can keep things in control.

God has good plans for us. He doesn't want to harm us. God is our hope and our future. Even when our script changes, God has a better one written for us because we are not the script writers.

The Root of Bitterness

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you have a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. and over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14 NIV

Have you ever held a grudge against someone? Maybe you have tried to forgive them, but as soon as you hear this person's name you cringe at the thought of him/her. It feels even worse when you see this person in the flesh, you might want to lash out irrationally. Or at the very least remind this person how much he/she hurt you.

Believe it or not, I have held onto this root of bitterness. I tried with all my might to forgive this person, but for some reason all those feelings of hurt come back up as soon as this person's name is mentioned. I thought I had forgiven this person, because I prayed about him/her to God but somehow the devil still had a foothold.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?

Jesus answered, "I tell you not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22

I wondered how many times must I asked God to help me forgive this person, even when there are times this person still lashes out or turns others against me. From what I have read in scriptures, I need to continuously ask God to help my heart truly forgive.

Recently in a Bible study, I learned how one lady truly forgave. She would have to drive by this person's home almost daily and she would cringe, and God told her to pray for this person. Eventually, when she drove by this person's home she would no longer cringe. She even found herself not cringing when someone said this person's name or when she saw this person. She discovered the root of bitterness was gone.

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive you. Matthew 6:14-15

One of the most important reasons to forgive is so God can forgive you. I don't know about you, but having God not forgive me would scare me. I make mistakes daily, sometimes hourly if I couldn't ask God to forgive me then I don't think it would go well for me. I would no longer feel His presence and have His peace even in the midst of craziness.  I am sure His blessings would soon stop as well.

I am far from rich. I am far from having all of my wants. But I do indeed receive God's blessings. The blessing of my family, my friends, a job, my health, a home, enough food to eat (sometimes too much)...God may not bless me with all the things I want, but He does indeed bless me with the things I need. Without God's blessings I live in a state of panic.

In order to receive His blessings, I need to follow His plans for me. One of these plans is to forgive this person I have a grievance over. No matter how many times this person offends, I will continually go to God and ask for Him to help me to truly forgive and remember his/her sins no more just as God does for me.

Maybe there is someone in your life that you need to ask God to help you forgive. Maybe when this person offends again, you can pray for him/her instead of watering the bitter root. Soon you will find this root had been picked from your garden and in it's place a beautiful garden is flourishing. I believe my root of bitterness is being pruned and the garden is growing.

In His Image

So God created mankind in his  own image, in the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

What do you think of when you hear this verse? How do you picture God?

For me I have a picture of a Grandpa, Santa type. He is dressed in white, has a long white beard, and a Grandpa gut. I am not sure what his face looks like, I can't see that. His hand are strong and for me his hands are the same color as me. It's not because I don't believe His hands can be a different color. It's just if I'm created in his image, I must match Him some how.

For you, you may picture him with your coloring and since you are created in His image then that's perfectly natural. I believe we all resemble God. Most of us have our eyes, ears, nose, and mouth in the same place. Our bodies usually have everything placed in the same areas regardless of size. Sometimes someone maybe born without arms or legs, but the place for them remains the same. Think about it I don't think anyone has been born with a nose on his/her foot. Because we are all made in his image.

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 people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

For me I try to follow God, I try to not judge people when I first see them. Of course sometimes the color of their skin pops in my head, but that doesn't stop me from talking to them. I don't think "Oh no, their skin is different I better walk away." I try to follow God's lead, there have been times when I feel the need to avoid a person. It's not because of skin color, it's because for some reason I do not feel safe around this person.

Growing up a never even heard the "N" word. My parents didn't say it. My first experience with this word happened in sixth grade. There was a girl I wanted as a friend and in order to be her friend, I did things she asked me to. She told me to call a girl "N," and since I didn't realize this was a bad word I did it. This girl did not react too well, she hit me. We all ended up in the principle's office.  I learned a lot that day, that word was a bad word and don't do things people ask you to unless you know it's alright with God.

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' And the second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31

I try to live my life by these commandments. God is first in my life! It breaks my heart when someone doesn't try to treat others as they treat themselves. When someone does something wrong to someone else, he or she needs to be punished. My heart broke yesterday as I read the story for Alda. She is a Christian woman living in a Christian village until Muslims move near the village and eventually decided these Christian's need to convert or die. Her son, mother, and mother-in-law were killed. Her daughter, husband, and her are separated. She thought they were killed as well. Amazingly, even though she was captured her life was spared. The men made her strip her clothing and walk around naked. She was beaten countless times. She was forced to eat mud. Still she believed in God.  She was even forced to marry someone else even though she was already married.

"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

No matter how much we want to live in a perfect world, we live in a world where people can make choices. The choice to do the right thing or the choice to do the wrong thing. No matter who we are we all given this choice. 

This choice is evident early on, trust me I work with children. How young are they when they first hear the word "No"? We teach them right from wrong, so they can learn to make the right choice. Hopefully, we train them to love God. I love to hear the stories of children I've taught this too.

"My heart hurts."

"Why does your heart hurt?"

"Because Jesus is in there."

"I drew a picture and there is an invisible person hugging my friend."

"Is it me?"

"No"

"Is it Ms. Diana?"

"No, silly it's Jesus."

Or I hear them singing in the bathroom, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so..."

Or even one who sang, "Jesus loves me this I know, for Ms. Diana told me so..."

I am tired of the wrong choices people make too. Hurting people is wrong, burning down someone's business is wrong, yelling obscenities is wrong. 

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.  Matthew 28:19-20

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave us a job to do. We are to make disciples, followers of Jesus. I have been called to help teach the children to become a disciple. Who are you called to make disciple?

Maybe with more disciples, more right choices will be made.