Have a Fresh Cup

Nothing is Ever for Nothing

2012-01-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

There are no accidents in God’s economy. Nothing in your life, is ever for nothing.

When I was in 5^th grade, I had a favorite teacher, Mr. Prock. Halfway through the school year he had to quit because of some vocal problems and we got another teacher. Mr. Huntoon was a great teacher too. I remember him every time I hear a French Horn. He was my introduction to that instrument, and I love that sound to this day. Mr. Prock and Mr. Huntoon were good friends in and out of school. We students enjoyed the benefits of that friendship in the wonderful plays and musicals those two came up with. 5^th grade was a great year because of both of them.

In the fall of 2011, I suddenly wanted to find these great teachers. I found Mr. Prock via the internet. Google and Facebook are wonderful tools. I was sad to learn that Mr. Huntoon passed away several years ago.

I still didn’t know why I needed to find them so badly, but it was nice to exchange a few emails with Mr. Prock and sort of catch up on his life. I loved being able to send him copies of some of my books, since he was such an influence on me as a child.

In November of 2011, I was asked to speak at a luncheon in Papillion, Nebraska. A friend of mine was scheduled to speak for them, but she had a conflict and referred them to me. There were several things that made it evident that God was bringing me to Papillion. Their brunch was beautiful, and we had a wonderful time.

A common practice for such events, is for the speaker to donate a prize for their give-aways. This time was no exception. I was happy to give them a couple of books, some of my ministry branded coffee, a mug and a totebag. As prizes were given to the ladies, the hostess saved mine for last. A very sweet young woman named Rachel won the pack. I looked forward to meeting her and signing the books to her personally after I spoke.

It was very nice to visit with her and her mother at my book table. I felt very connected to them, like God wanted us to meet. But I had no idea why.

I gave Rachel my business card and told her to look me up on Facebook so we could stay in touch. She did. The first couple of weeks we were friends, I didn’t pay much attention to her last name. But tonight, as I scrolled through my newsfeed, it hit me. Huntoon. I wondered if she was related to the teacher I loved so much in the 1977/78 school year. I felt almost silly, that was in Oxnard, California. What was the chance that 34 years later, I would be speaking at a bruch with someone who knew Mr. Huntoon? Well, in God’s economy the world is not that big.

Not only did Rachel know him, she is his daughter.

And, on a day that she was feeling kind of low, she got a message from me on facebook. Telling her about my teacher named Richard Huntoon, and wondering if she knew him at all.

I don’t know what God wants to do with this. But I do know that it was not an accident that Richard Huntoon became my teacher. It was not chance that took me to Papillion, Nebraska last month, and it is not happenstance that Rachel won that prize so that she and her mother would be sure to stop and talk after the event.

As I sit here, thanking God for His divine appointments, I am overwhelmed by the details and timing in this situation. Even if the purpose was for Rachel to know that the legacy of her father lives on in those he touched with his music and his life. It’s incredible and humbling to be a tiny part of that purpose.

Don’t take anyone in your life for granted. You never know when God will take it and use it for His Glory, when you would have never given it a second thought.

I know this post is a little disjointed…but I am writing it just moments after Rachel and I discovered this divine connection. Tears are streaming down my face as I realize how much God loves Rachel and her mother, and how much God loves me. I should just know that right? Well, I thought I did, but His love goes beyond what I could ever ask or imagine.

Happy New Year Everyone. May God Bless You with Divine Appointments this year.

Click "Like" and Jesus will know you love him. WHAT????

2011-09-17T06:17:00.000-07:00

I just had 8 opportunities to like Jesus' fan page on facebook in the past 20 minutes.

Obviously, I have no problem with fan pages, however I don't like the idea of Jesus, God or the Holy Spirit having a fan page. I love the Lord Jesus, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit...I love them as the Godhead and I love the amazing workings of each one individually...Jesus is truly my all, and every fiber of my being belongs to Him. But as I went to one of the pages, and started to click like, just because many of my friends had, and I didn't want my name not to be there. I stopped and questioned why I felt compelled to like the page when I don’t like the idea of the page.

So what is it I find objectionable about these pages?

First, Neither God, nor Jesus, nor the Holy Spirit is asking me to like the myriad of pages using their names.

Second, I don’t know the people who originated these pages and I don’t know what they intend to do with the pages. I am sure that the majority of them are fine. But as I started to click “Like” something in my spirit felt wrong about it. It is very possible that these pages are wolves in sheep;s clothing. Using the name of Jesus to lure in likers, and then, without notice the page can be changed to whatever the originator desires. The likers remain the same, but the page contents can be anything from peanuts to porn and it could take months or more before I would realize my name was then associated with something that was different than what I signed for. These fan pages are temporary and changeable, My God, His love for me and my Love for Him is eternal, unchanging and more amazing than a facebook page could ever hope to proclaim.

Third, My Love for the Lord should be evident in all of MY pages. I should not need to click a button so that people will know I love Jesus. It is our fruit that shows our faith and love, not our choice of facebook fan page likes.

If you like those pages that’s great, but don’t like them out of a desire to show your friends on fb that you have liked every Jesus page that pops up. Even worse are the emails or pages that say “if you love Jesus you will…” To those I say, “Jesus said, If you love me, feed my sheep.” Liking a page, or passing along an email does not prove anything, and we won’t be chastised by the Lord for not participating in these manmade games. If you love Jesus, feed his sheep, make Him the LORD of your life and allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you.

If you like the ministry God has given me, "Like" my facebook ministry page and participate in the feeding of sheep we do in Jesus name. But, God won't like you more because you "Liked" a page. God does not need social networking...He has a direct line to all of are hearts at once and He can see every private message we think.

More than anything I want to share His love with a world in and out of the church who so desperately needs to know the savior. Ten million likes on a facebook page won’t do anything unless we are taking all that love and using it to lead others to the cross where HE showed the ultimate love for all of us.

If you are reading this, and you don't know that Jesus Loves you and that He wants a relationship with you, send me a message, I would love to talk to you.

Knowledge Without Wisdom

2011-08-23T16:42:00.000-07:00

In my late teens I found out that I had been gifted with all knowledge. It was amazing to me how much I had figured out at such a young age, things that my parents and most of their friends had yet to discover. The problem was that with all of that knowledge it became increasingly difficult to deal with the inadequacy of those around me; specifically my parents. So, I decided to make my own decisions. After all, I was practically an adult anyway.

Unfortunately what I did not understand was that knowledge without wisdom is an extremely dangerous thing. As I did “my own thing” it broke my parent’s hearts as their plans for me melted into the sea of rebellion I had decided to sail. “My own thing” led me down a path of self destruction that became self hatred and eventually left me feeling like I didn’t know anything. Yet, even after I had hurt my parents so much there they were with open arms of forgiveness and a ton of Godly wisdom. They forgave me, and they were still willing to share their wisdom with me.

That was the perfect example to me of the way our Heavenly Father waits for us to come back from our rebellion. His arms are open and His forgiveness is free. He is waiting for you to come home to Him. The world will lie to us and tell us we can do it on our own. They’re wrong…In my self I can do nothing, but in Christ Jesus, Nothing is too difficult.

I am a Fan of I AM

2011-08-13T06:57:00.000-07:00

I have never seen anyone as fervent as a football fan. People become so passionate about their team that everyone around them knows that they are indeed a fan. Living near Kansas City has been a true education in all things chiefs, and for the past two summers, their training camp has been just a few miles north of our small town. Wow, talk about people excited to watch an exhibition.

Like it or not, the red and gold sports fans are quick to tell anyone in shouting range that their team is the best, even when there season isn’t looking so good. They know the team statistics for coaches, players and formers. They are proud to be fans…even though the word fan is just a shortened version of fanatic.

As I thought about the loyalty of football fans I couldn’t help but make the cliché comparison between those in love with football and those of us who claim to be in love with Jesus. Does everyone around me know that I am passionate about Jesus? Am I really telling others that Jesus is the answer? Do I know the playbook? Every statistic I need is in the Word of God.

I had to ask myself, “Do I become defensive when someone calls me a fanatic?” Isn’t that what I am? I am a fan of Jesus Christ and what he has done for me. The Chiefs may or may not have a winning season, but Christians know who wins. Shouldn’t we be cheering for those who are running the field beside us as we each strive to be faithful as we reach the in-zone?

I remember meeting one of our former Chiefs players in the late 1990s. He was very nice. He is a good Christian man and has taken a stand for Christ on and off the field. It was a pleasure to meet him. However, more than 10 years after our meeting, I doubt he knows my name. Jesus is the name above all names, yet He knows mine. He knows my name and everything about me, and He loves me.

Yep, I am a fan. A Huge fanatic! I will shout it to anyone within earshot…Jesus Christ is the King of Kings! He is my Lord! And I will serve Him with all that I am.

God Bless!

When You Can't Find God - A wonderful book by Linda Evans Shepherd

2011-08-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

When I was in 5th grade, I did a musical called the Story Telling Man, about Jesus Ministry. One of the songs was called Are You a Loser? Contrary to the title, it was a song about having faith in the tough times. Ken Medema was the composer, it touched my life so much that I am on his mailing list to this day.

Nothing has touched my heart with the message of God’s love through the trials of life since then, until now. Linda Evans Shepherd’s newest book, When You Can’t Find God, is one of the most faith-building books I have ever had the pleasure to read.

From the first page to the last, Shepherd’s transparency and heart for the Lord is evident. She speaks directly to the heart of the reader in a tender, compassionate manner, leading us toward hope and peace in our lives. What I love the most about this book, is that while Shepherd is caring, she does not mollycoddle the reader. This is not just another feel-good book, although after reading it, I don’t know how anyone could feel less than great about their walk with Jesus and their life in general.

She has a true gift of speaking the truth in love in her writing so that we are called to a place of responsibility for our actions and attitudes toward the Lord and other people. I love it that throughout this book there are practical tools and spiritual steps that, if followed, will lead us to a life where we are truly walking with God and leaning on His truth, rather than our own limited understanding of the world.

If you are looking for a great small group Bible study, this is it. A Bible study and discussion guide are already there. Shepherd also provides a short video to enhance each chapter on the book’s website, www.ignitemyfaith.com. Don’t wait, purchase the book now at http://www.jubilantpress.com/ignite/thebook.htm.

Let Your Light So Shine...

2011-07-26T18:22:00.000-07:00

We live in the country where there are no street lights. When we turn out the lights at night the darkness becomes a shroud over the house. You literally cannot see a foot in front of your face. Our stairway is steep and in that darkness it can be a bit tricky to navigate. At first I would turn on the hall light if I had to go downstairs in the middle of the night, but it would wake up my husband. Finally I put a nightlight at the top of the staircase. To my surprise that tiny light cast a glow throughout both floors of the house so that even with all of the other lights in the house off, you can still see enough in every room to move around safely.

That reminded me of the passage in Matthew chapter 5, verse 14. It says, “You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” If that little tiny nightlight can make such a difference in a dark house, then surely we as Christians would illuminate the nations if we would do as it says in verse 16 and let our light so shine before men. What an amazing thought it is, that my life could be enough to allow someone else to navigate safely to the Father’s house. Our tiny light can be used to bring praise and glory to our Heavenly Father.

Blog Study Part 1

2011-07-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

This week we are starting a Bible Study just for our blog followers. We are going to choose a passage of scripture each week and begin Monday mornings with an overview and brief study based on that passage. I invite you to comment, ask questions and discuss the scripture through the comments on the blog. I can hardly wait to share with one another through this study. Be sure to invite your friends.

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Week 1:
John 4: 1-14

Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John ² (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). ³ So he left Judea and returned to Galilee.

⁴ He had to go through Samaria on the way. ⁵ Eventually he came to the Samaritan village of Sychar, near the field that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. ⁶ Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. ⁷ Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” ⁸ He was alone at the time because his disciples had gone into the village to buy some food.

⁹ The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?”

¹⁰ Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.”

¹¹ “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?¹² And besides, do you think you’re greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

¹³ Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. ¹⁴ But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

*******

The prevailing message here is deeper than just meeting a woman at the well. Imagine if you will, what the heart condition of this woman is. She has been with multiple men, in a time and place where that behavior could result in being stoned to death. She knew immediately that Jesus was a Jew, and didn't expect that this man would have any kind thing to say to her. Even without her reputation, she was from a group of people with whom the Jews did not associate.

So, when Jesus asks her to give him a drink, can you imagine what went through her head? What would go through your head if a strange man, you know only as someone who hates your people, is hanging out at your local water fountain and then asks YOU to give him a drink? Before you answer, realize Jesus had been traveling on foot for several miles, on dusty roads...just because he was Jesus didn't mean his clothes didn't get dirty. So, not only was the man she met a stranger and a Jew, he was also tired, possibly sweaty and dirty. Not only does he want a drink...but he wants a drink from HER cup/ladel whatever container she had. Now what's going through your head as you consider this stranger at the well?

This Samaritan woman probably lived nearby her entire life. She knew the history of the well from which she drew her water. It was Jacob's well. It served generations of her people. In fact, at her age, which we don't know exactly, she did not know a time when this well had not provided all the water they needed. Yet, here was Jesus...telling her that He could give her something that could quench her thirst better than this well. This stranger must have sounded crazy to her. Yet she knew in her heart that He was speaking the truth.

Isn't that so much like we are. We get in the habit of depending on the same things we have always depended on to satisfy our needs. I can recount many times when I read something in the Bible...believed it was truth, and then said, "yeah, but..."

At the moment we begin to argue, we open a door for doubt, when truly all we need to do is choose...

At this point in the story, the Samaritan woman has to make a choice. What would you choose in her place. How do you think the Holy Spirit works, even when we have limited knowledge?

Share your thoughts. We will go into the verses that follow next week, but I would love to see your thoughts, questions and ideas about these first 14 verses. There is no wrong question or suggestion, we are just going to study this out together.

Blessings and Joy in Jesus!

Yes, There is a Best

2011-07-16T06:08:00.000-07:00

Remember when you couldn’t wait to tell your best friend everything. In 7^th grade it seemed like there were enough things that happened between the last bell at school to supper time, that an evening phone call to my bff, Marie, was absolutely required. Of course those were the days when my phone calls were limited to 10 minutes and mom set the timer, so by the next morning at school I was ready to burst. Marie knew everything about me. And I knew everything about her. We shared laughter at 2 a.m. when we spent the night at each other’s houses, and sorrow the day Elvis died, (we were ten that year.) In 8^th grade, I moved to Arizona from my childhood home in Oxnard California. I cried over leaving Marie, and other friends I might never see again. It all seemed so permanent.

That was thirty years ago and I have learned a lot in those years. Thanks to the advent of things like cell phones, email, facebook, and understanding how to find cheap flights, distances are much shorter than they were for a 13-year-old girl leaving the only city she had ever known.

I also know now that God puts people in our lives at different times to fulfill His purpose in our life. People come into our lives for seasons and when they leave, we keep them on facebook and “like” a status or two now and then. They are still our friends, but don’t remain close and for the most part it works, and sometimes they come back into a more focused role, depending on the turns life takes.

I was talking to my young assistant about adult friendships the other day and explained that you come to a point in your life, where friendships are unique, but that, at least for me, there isn’t a “best friend” relationship anymore. With the exception of maybe a spouse, we just don’t need those kinds of things. I have many good friends, close friends, godly women that I love, but no one I would consider the best of all of them.

Well, this week that has become redefined for me. I have to say that while labels have changed, there is a friend who is the closest to me. She is the one I know I can call no matter what and share with her, and it won’t go anywhere ever. The one I know will pray with me and be my cheerleader, and actually GET me when my life looks crazy to everyone else. She is the one who knows she can call me if something goes wrong and I will be there. She is the one who knows more about me than other friends and who loves me anyway. We laugh, we cry, we pray with and for one another. We can talk about religion and politics without having to agree, (although we usually do). We can go into business ventures together, disagree, discuss and work through issues and neither of us is willing to allow our friendship to be scarred by disagreements. We talk each other off the ledge when we need to and listen silently when we need to.

We both have many wonderful friends who we love dearly. And until this week I would have never even thought to label this amazing friendship God has blessed me with. But indeed I have a best friend for the first time since 8^th grade in Oxnard. She means the world to me and I thank God for her friendship, her love and the accountability she adds to my life. She makes me a better me and I hope I do the same for her.

Thursday afternoon as I sat in her living room, wrapping glass votive cups in newspaper and packing them in boxes; watching her sons take the pictures from their walls, movies from their rack and games from shelves; watching her youngest daughter try to make sense of all of their food going into boxes and their toys becoming temporarily unavailable, I realized I was going to say goodbye to the woman who has become my best friend.

I know she has to follow her husband to the land that God has promised him. I am thrilled for her family to have the opportunity He gave them. But my heart is so sad to see her go.

Yesterday afternoon, we spent some unplanned, quality time together. When it was time to leave, to come home and take care of my family, I had a hard time walking away. Saying goodbye to her beautiful children and promising to visit Wyoming the first chance I have, seemed eerily reminiscent of the words exchanged with my friends in Oxnard. As we hugged and said goodbye, I fought tears. We stood in the driveway next to my car listing all of the things that make it so easy to stay in touch, and the cheap flights I can find to Denver, just a couple hours from their new home. Yes, thanks to facebook, skype, email, and free long distance we can talk every day if we want to...but there are, believe it or not, friendships that are deeper than the electronic age.

I drove away with tears in my eyes, I am going to miss my friend like no other. Over the past thirty years saying goodbye to friends, with the obligatory, “Stay safe and keep in touch” has become routine. We live in a transient society and things change. This was the first time saying goodbye to an adult friend made me cry. This also the first time I have truly understood the blessing of a best friend in my adult life. I love you my sister/friend -- and I thank God for giving me the gift of a best friend in Tami Clymer.

Is it Yeast or Pride?

2011-07-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to learn how to make home-baked bread. So far the results have been less than perfect. Several times my bread has not risen the way it is supposed to. Someone told me that I probably had the water too warm when I disolved the yeast. The next time I tried cooler water, it still didn’t rise. The same person explained ever so gently that I must have gotten it too cold that time. She said that the only way the bread could get puffed up by the yeast is if it has a lukewarm environment.

The whole thing sounded biblical to me. Jesus said that we should be either hot or cold, but lukewarm is not what He wants from us. That makes sense because it is the fermenting process of the yeast that causes the bread to rise and become puffed up. If we are lukewarm spiritually it certainly allows things in our lives to bubble up and ferment, leaving us puffed up with pride.

Lukewarm may be good for yeast, but it is not good for yielding to the Lord. For that I pray that God will send His fire to keep my faith piping hot.

Revelation 3:16 (NLT)

"But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"

Til Death Do We Part - The covenant of marriage

2011-03-26T08:08:00.000-07:00

I would love to write about the perfect marriage. It would be awesome to share the secret to a lifetime without a fight, the perfect romance that has never been questioned and the perfect husband and wife who have never said a hurtful thing to one another. But, I can't. I've never been good at writing fiction.

I was reading another blog this morning, at http://www.elainewmiller.blogspot.com/. She talked about holding on to our marriages and the importance of not walking away every time things are rough. It was the passing of Elizabeth Taylor and the rehashing of her octinuptuals that sparked Elaine's poignant post, but as I read it, I was reminded of how important it is to be committed to our marriages as a covenant relationship. Not only with our spouse, but as a covenant with God.

John and I will celebrate 20 years of blissful togetherness this year. Okay, so blissful might not have always been the case...but togetherness none-the-less. Our relationship has had amazing romance, blissful summer afternoons, exhilarating winters, warm autumn sunsets and the beauty of spring. I love looking at the years of our marriage in the same way we look at the calendar. We know there will be storms in every season, but when we are prepared for the storms we aren't destroyed by them. We have experienced drought in the form of apathy. We have seen tornadoes of anger and frustration. Sometimes trouble came in floods and there were days when the cold of winter made it seem as if there was no life to be found. But like the changing seasons of the calendar, if you stand firm long enough, it changes.

God knew marriage would be hard, the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians chapter seven that those who marry will face many troubles in life. We have God's word to tell us that the storms we go through are normal...and He will be there with us through it all. God hates divorce, and as He revealed it to Paul, there are only two reasons for divorce. One is adultery, the other is abandonment by an unbelieving spouse.

I do believe God forgives those who have divorced and remarried...and that He can and does bless second marriages, even if the divorce did not happen for one of those two reasons. However, that does not mean we should go into the dissolve of marriage with the idea that we will ask forgiveness when we're through. Better that we give our lives and homes completely to the Lord before we are packing boxes and splitting dishes.

As John and I went through some of the most torrential storms in our life together I always kept Ephesians 6:12 in mind. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (NKJV) In looking at the struggles in marriage as attacks from the enemy of our souls...we can see the truth. If Satan can divide the family, it is much easier for him to destroy the individuals who were part of the family. In our darkest moments, even before John knew the Lord...I realized through God's grace, that the war raging in our home was against Satan, not each other. I began to speak truth during fights, not the truth of who was right or wrong...but the truth that no matter what we were going through, I am and will remain committed to my marriage, to my husband and to the Lord Jesus. A three fold cord is not easily
broken, and nothing the father of lies throws in our direction as he seeks to destroy, is going to pass the shield of faith in place in our home.

John and I took divorce out of our vocabulary. It is never an option in our home. There is always another option even if sometimes we have to weather storms or go through seasons of drought, our marriage will remain. The source of our love is not one another. The source of our joy is not found in our humanity. The love we have for each other could not exist without the Father's love poured out on us. It is His joy that brings a song to our lips and it is in Him that we remain steadfast in our commitment to each other.

The great part is...after the storms...when we are still standing firm...our life together is even brighter than it was before. Blessed and favored by the Most High God, in covenant relationship with one another and our Lord.

My friend John Thurman likes to say his marriage has lasted so many years because they have never quit on the same day. I love it every time I hear it.

***For those who may be experiencing physical abuse...removing yourself from the home for the purpose of being safe is not sinful. However, jumping right into a relationship with someone else is not the way to handle the situation either. I highly suggest seeking biblical counseling, even if the abusive spouse will not attend. A qualified biblical counselor can help you find the godly answers to your individual situation.

Exhibiting the Fruit of the Spirit

2011-03-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

I heard a woman praying several years ago. She was praying for the women of her church to exhibit the fruit of the spirit. She was praying for the women to move in their spiritual gifts and to encourage and support one another. It was a beautiful prayer. She was humble and tearful as she prayed it; calling out to God for these things and asking God to bless their church and their pastor.

I began to look at my own life. I wondered if others saw the fruit of the spirit in my me. Was I kind? Did I show goodness to others? Were my words gentle? Was I as patient as I needed to be? What about joyful? Did I exude peace or cause strife? Did I show faithfulness, or did I let others down or not depend on the Lord in everything?

I knew what the fruits of the spirit were. I had memorized them around fourth grade. Did I ever really experience them though? Had I even asked for them, or just for the evidence of them? Where exactly did they come from and how did we get them? Could they be exhausted? Or was there a never ending supply?

These questions taunted me. I wanted to know if I truly was bearing fruit or if I was just putting my best fruit on exhibit. Was the fruit in my life pretty on the outside, plump and shiny, but bitter on the inside from lack of ripeness?

Have you ever eaten a peach that is not quite ripe? It still tastes like a peach, but there is not much sweetness and it is rather dry. If a peach is perfectly ripe it is sweet and the juice overflows with each bite. I began to think that perhaps the fruit of the spirit in my life was not quite ripe. It looked good and some times it even tasted like the fruit. Somehow it just was missing something. It was a little dry. I could put it in a basket and it would look wonderful. Taken out of the basket, though, even someone who had never had that fruit before would be able to tell that it was not quite right. Something was off, just slightly.

I knew I had to let that fruit ripen in my life. I read Galatians 5 over and over. I watched others I thought must surely have ripened fruit, to discover that some of their fruit was not ripe either. Some of the fruit I was watching was even a little spoiled. I wondered if that was how others looked at the fruit I was exhibiting. It was discouraging at best. I prayed that God would somehow help me exhibit the right kind of fruit of the spirit in my life.

Then it hit me, like an overripe watermelon over my head. I was not asking for the right thing. I was asking to exhibit the fruit, but I was not asking for the Holy Spirit to cultivate of the fruit in my heart. I was trying to grow my own and it was impossible for it to ripen. There is a reason it is called the fruit of the spirit. Without the Holy Spirit it is unattainable. It is not the gift in itself but the by-product of a gift. When we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit working and allow him to move and to cultivate the gifts that we have been given by God, then the fruit of the spirit begins to blossom and ripen.

That is when the fragrant and sweet juice will overflow from our life and spill over to others. That is when we can stop praying for the Lord to exhibit that fruit in our life and start giving away the abundance of the crop that the Holy Spirit will raise up in our souls. That is when we will be kind and gentle without giving it a thought, when we will go through trials with a song in our hearts because of the joy of the Lord in our lives. That is what will make patience and faithfulness natural to us. That is where peace is found. I began to see the fruit of the spirit evident in my life. I prayed that the Lord would give me a fresh anointing of His Holy Spirit each and every day. And He has.

We Will Rise

2011-03-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

I started this century with months in a wheelchair after undergoing hip replacement surgeries and bone grafting. People were so supportive and caring. A day never went by that someone didn’t ask, “How are you doing under the circumstances?”

Seven years ago this week, I was diagnosed with cancer. I praise God that it was discovered in early stages. After surgery and a few days with a radiation implant I was on my way to a speedy recovery. People in my life were very supportive. Concerned friends and acquaintances always wanted to make sure I was doing okay physically, emotionally and spiritually, under the circumstances.

Five years ago I was laid off from my day job. I prayed that freelance writing and speaking would meet every financial need that I had, but at that time, it seemed impossible. I prayed for God to open another door, according to His purpose. Again, our friends were concerned and asking how we were doing, under the circumstances.

Today I walk. Today I am cancer free. Today God blesses my life with His provision so that I may work for Him.

We all experience circumstances in our life. Often, through no fault of our own, life hands us one circumstance after the other until we are treading water barely able to keep from being swallowed by turbulent tides.

Many would say that, as believers, we have a life preserver for the times when we feel like we cannot tread water for another moment. When our circumstances have overtaken the depths of our soul we can cry out to God for help and He will be there. Under the circumstances we will be okay, if we just have faith.

There is a sweet assurance in that idea. However, I don’t believe that it is the way God intended our faith to be exercised. When we wait until we are drowning to call out to God our faith is used as an insurance policy. Not just fire insurance, but flood insurance.

If we look at Romans chapter 8, verses 35 through 39 we find that our circumstances are opportunities for us to display the conquering power of Jesus Christ, through our faith.

35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 Just as it is written, "For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered." 37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NAS)

I have not personally experienced the persecution that was present for Christians in Rome at the time of Paul. I have not been through a famine. My poverty level has never reached nakedness and my life has not been threatened by another person because of my faith in God. Yet those around me continue asking how I am surviving, under the circumstances.

No matter how things have looked from the outside, every circumstance I have been through has been used for the Glory of God if it was given to Him, for His purpose, from the beginning. Each time I have learned invaluable lessons. Every victory strengthened my faith and fervor for the Lord. Through each triumph has come opportunity to reach out to people I would have never been able to understand without the circumstance I walked through.

The times in my life, and there have been several, when my circumstances swallowed me were the times that I kept trying to cope with my circumstances or try to fix things myself. Spiritual bruising happened every time. I was riding my circumstance like a bull, trying to make the 8 second buzzer. And, like the cowboy who holds on after he is in trouble, I have gotten tangled in the rope and been beaten more severely than if I had just let go. It took me years to realize that we are not called as believers to live under our circumstances or to fix situations on our own.

What if Christ would have been swallowed by His circumstances? Defeat looked absolutely imminent from Golgotha, yet we know that He reigns victorious. What if the circumstances of the cross would have been the end? What if Christ would have waited until He could no longer “fix” things to cry out to God? Even as the divine Son of God He had free will and could have refused to complete the plan.

The reason that Christ could take every step through His circumstances was that He knew from the beginning that whatever He would endure was for the Glory of the Father and the salvation of the creation that He loved. He knew that everything meant for evil would be used for good when it was done with a pure heart, giving all honor to God. He did not walk to Calvary under the circumstances of the cross. He walked to Calvary knowing that He was born of God, and would be victorious.

1 John 5:4 & 5 says, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (NAS)

As believers we are born of God. We are called to walk victoriously through every trial that comes our way; not to be under our circumstances, not in spite of our circumstances.

We are called to live each day, each hour, and each minute by faith, knowing that no matter what we may be going through God will use it for His Glory and our good when we give it to Him completely. The victory in our lives is what shines as a beacon to the rest of creation, telling them the good news of the resurrection plan. By overcoming the world and every circumstance in it, in the name of Jesus, we rise again, with Him.

** This article was oringinally written before the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. We are all shocked by the horrific scenes and the life threatening conditions. Truly many thousands will not survive this disaster. Under their circumstances seems like an understatement. But, God will use even this disaster if people hand Him their broken pieces an allow His will to prevail in their lifes.

I pray mostly for those who do not know the Lord Jesus. The thought of those who did not accept Christ’s offer of salvation is heartbreaking in these situations. Please keep the families of those lost, and the people who are still displaced, injured or sick in your prayers. I don’t know how I would have survived anything in my life without the Lord and the prayers on my behalf, and my circumstances are trivial by comparison.

He Will Meet Me On My Knees

2011-03-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

I don't usually post poetry on my blog, but I wanted to share this one with you. Sometimes we just need to be reminded that we can come to Jesus and let him restore our broken hearts.

He Will Meet Me On My Knees

My white dress fluttered gently

As the breeze went through my hair

And the congregation waited

As I met the preacher there

Standing at the altar

I pledged my heart to stay

With each soul present as my witness

I would never walk away.

And my hungry heart surrendered

Knowing He would never leave

As I let His love enfold me

And He met me on my knees.

But after years of faithfulness

I met temptations sting

And I wandered into darkness

My first love, no longer seen

As I wandered through the wilderness

A new love locked my embrace

We ran together through the darkness

Far away from Heaven’s grace.

And my wild heart offended

The one who said He’d never leave

As I pushed His love away from me

And refused to bend my knees.

No longer guided by compassion

My new love met the sting

And his wayward heart betrayed me

As life brought me to my knees

On my face before my Father

Not knowing where to turn

I begged for the forgiveness

That I could never earn.

And my broken heart remembered

That He said He’d never leave

When I let His love enfold me

He would meet me on my knees

And my healing heart repented

Thankful, He would never leave

When I let His love restore me

As He met me on my knees

We Must Let Them Go

2011-03-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

My heart broke, when a friendship of almost 30 years ended because my friend thought I had gone overboard with my faith. I considered our friendship unconditional. We always had different views about religion. I didn’t think it was that important. We both believe that Jesus is the way to reach the Father, so as a teenager I didn’t worry about semantics.

As I went through a long journey in the wilderness of rebellion, she was always there for me, although in later years she admitted it was hard to see my self-destructive behavior. She was happy for me when my life changed and I no longer walked those roads of rebellion. She knew I was a Christian. She will readily tell anyone that she is also a Christian. I was so thankful to have her in my life to set a high moral standard.

A couple of years ago, she asked me if something was wrong because I seemed to be talking about God a lot. I didn’t realize I was talking about him any more than I had in the past 15 years. Of course, until she joined facebook, our contact during that time had been a few phone calls each year. Because we live in different states now, we only saw each other a few times in the past decade or so. Our friendship was strong, and no matter how many months between our conversations, they picked up as if no time had passed.

As my facebook friend, she was privy to my life. I share my faith openly, and the things that are most important in my life are things of God. Sometimes I ask tough spiritual questions to get the viewpoints of my friends. Once in a while I express my opinion about issues, entertainment and current events. That’s what got me into trouble with my friend.

She was already concerned about my level of Biblical study and the references to what God was doing. But when I said that we as Christians should not be entertained by evil, the decline of our friendship began. During the posts on the thread, we came to a point when we agreed to disagree. But I knew that would be difficult. She posted on my wall less, and didn’t always reply when I posted on hers…but I hoped it was because we are both busy.

I still kept up with her and participated in conversations on her wall with mutual friends. I never brought up my faith on her wall, out of respect for her beliefs. Although I pray for her heart to be open to the Lord.

Today, I went to her wall to tell her I hope she has a great day. But I couldn’t. I have been unfriended. Without so much as a word to me, I have been deleted from her life. I’m pretty sure it was the post last week where I said that the Bible says we should live a holy life, no longer slaves to sin… But since she didn’t say anything, I really don’t what caused the complete obliteration of our friendship.

I do know I will always love my friend. I will miss my friend. I will always pray for my friend and I will always be ready for reconciliation with my friend. But now, I have to realize that we were not equally yoked in our friendship. As teenagers it didn’t seem to matter. In our twenties and thirties, as we started our lives and families, our friendship was not as close, so we didn’t notice. But with today’s technology we have the ability to know people like never before. We are not so guarded on social sites like facebook, and while there are people who are completely fraudulent on those pages, I think most of us are more ourselves from the keyboard. We are less cautious about who hears what we have to say. Our friends have more of a chance to know who we really are; sometimes they won’t like it. Sometimes they will choose to end the friendship. But if serving God means that some of my friends will reject me, then I must be following His will for my life. And that trumps any fleshly hurt or worldly disappointment I could experience. It also makes me appreciate the friends He puts in my life that love Jesus and want to serve Him and know Him.

Luke 18: 29 & 30 (ESV) And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come - eternal life.”

If that is true about family members, I'm sure it applies to friendships as well.

Speed Traps and Sin Traps

2011-03-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

I got a speeding ticket the other day. Yes me, the one people pass all the time because I won't drive faster than the posted speed limit, unless I am driving on a freeway in some parts of California where it would be life threatening to drive the posted speed...but in general...I don't. I was on a road I don't travel often, and I missed the sign that told me the speed went from 55 to 45. I was only a few feet into the new speed zone when the Highway Patrol officer turned his car around and turned his lights on. I pulled over, unsure of what I had done, and half expecting him to go flying by me. He didn't. As he wrote the ticket I thought of how I might get out of it and get that mark off my clean driving record. Then I realized that even though I didn't know I was breaking the law, I was guilty of speeding. It is my responsibility, as a driver, to know the rules of the road, and to pay attention to the posted limits.

It's the same way with us as Christians. It is our responsibility to know God's word - to hide it in our heart - but we also have to pay attention so that we don't miss the trap Satan sets for us to fall into sin before we realize it.

Read Psalm 119:9-12 and 2 Tim 2:15

Hopefully, if I go to court, they will be merciful and reduce my penalty to a non-moving violation, whereby they get their money, and I can have the black mark taken off my record. That's where We need God's grace - when we fall into sin - but we need to bring those things to the advocate. Just like I will probably have my lawyer take my ticket before the court, we need Jesus to take our appeal to the Father. He is our advocate. But that does not mean we should go on sinning willfully. Our entire relationship with the Lord is based in His love for us and our love for Him. That love, requires our fidelity, not putting anyone or anything before our relationship with Him.

Read 1 John 4:19

Do we see the need?

2011-03-12T10:46:00.000-08:00

My inlaws when they were young

This weekend I want to step aside from my usual blogging material and consider our forgotten generation. We all get so caught up with life, it's easy to ignore the people who have added so much to those busy lives.

Max's story -

Max was the best greeter. Walking into the grocery store was always nicer the days Max was there. He just went above and beyond the normal greeter duties. He was especially caring toward people with physical challenges. He took extra time to make sure they were okay, or didn’t need any help getting a cart or using one of the electric shopping scooters.

When Max smiled at his customers, it wasn’t just a polite, how-do-you-do kind of smile. His grin was contagious and spread all the way across his face. His eyes couldn’t help but join in. His presence in the entryway of the store brightened my day many times.

Over time Max slowed down a bit. He developed Parkinson’s disease, and after a while, couldn’t stand in the entry way for long. My friend, Kimberly, remembers the day she realized Max wasn’t there anymore. That was five years ago. I wonder about him too. Although neither of us really knew him, other than from the store, he left an indelible mark on our hearts with his kindness and contagious smile.

Kimberly had to stop by that store on her way home the other evening:

I was running late and hadn’t taken anything out of the freezer to cook for supper. I dashed into the store, grabbed my cart, and… ugh…it was stuck to the cart behind it. I tried one in the next row - stuck too. Wrestling to unstick my cart, while the greeter chatted with someone a few feet away, I thought of Max. He would have never let a customer fight with those carts. He un-stuck them before we ever walked through the door and handed them off to us like a baton being handed to a relay-runner.

Finally, the cart released and I headed to the produce department. Onions in the cart I headed toward the next item on my short list. The store was crowded. I was beginning to think the evening was designed as a lesson in patience. Traffic jams in every aisle slowed my pace considerably. I finally inched past a cluster of women sharing baby stories and rounded the end-cap toward pasta, almost hitting a man sitting on one of those electric shopping scooters. The end-cap was filled with gallon sized bottles of cranberry juice. I stopped to wait for him to make his selection and move on. Traffic whizzing by us made it seem smarter to wait. He was a frail looking man with a sharp jawline and cheekbones that were too pronounced. A black baseball hat covered his head and blocked his eyes from view. He was just staring at the juice, and shaking. My heart broke. I thought of Max. Max would have helped him.

“Do you need some help with that juice sir?” I asked, hoping it wouldn’t offend him.

He nodded, but didn’t look up.

I placed the juice in the basket of the scooter, he thanked me and we went on with our shopping. It always breaks my heart to see our senior citizens becoming frail. I always wonder what lessons I could learn from them and what they dreamed their life would be like.

I collected my last few items to make beef stroganoff and headed to the registers. As I loaded my items on the belt, I noticed the man with the juice behind me. I inched up to give him room. His tremors were even stronger than they had been a few minutes before. He reached toward the items in the cart a couple of times, but the shaking wouldn’t allow him to pick them up.

“Can I put those on the belt for you?”

He nodded.

“Parkinson’s?” I wondered if my question was rude.

“Yes. And I had a stroke.”

“Well, that doesn’t sound like much fun.” I knew it was shallow, but I didn’t know what to say.

“It’s not.”

I finished putting his items on the belt. It wasn’t much, but I wondered if he needed help to his car.

He said he would appreciate the help.

“Thank you, now I just have to figure out how to get these into my house.”

“How about if I follow you home and I can take them in your house for you.”

I hoped he didn’t think I was overstepping my boundaries. I didn’t even know his name, yet I found myself compelled to help him. Slowly he nodded.

It was my turn to check out. I glanced sideways to make sure the gentleman’s things were okay on the belt as it moved forward. That’s when I saw it. There was something familiar about his face as he smiled at me.

“Is your name Max?” I half hoped I was wrong, but his smile was unmistakable.

His frail, shaking hands fumbled with his wallet to get his money ready for his turn with the cashier. “Yes.”

I wanted to cry. The last time I saw him he was strong, and while I knew the toll diseases like Parkinson’s takes on people, I definitely didn’t expect such a complete change in his appearance.

Kim helped Max to his car, and then followed him home and put his groceries in the house for him. She had only known him briefly before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. She didn’t even know his last name. Still, seeing him so changed by the disease was heartbreaking.

As I thought of this story, it was Kim’s willingness to help someone, even before she knew who they were. Are we aware of needs around us every day? Do we notice when someone is struggling along our path? Or do we pass by, pretending we don’t see them? How often do we run across opportunities to reflect Jesus in someone’s life? How often do we miss it?

Kim’s glimpse into Max’s life exposed the dilemma many of our senior citizens face. Max’s wife passed away. He doesn’t have any children close-by. He spent his whole life helping other people, and now he struggles to even pick up a few groceries. Sure, there are service like meals on wheels and the senior center that provide some help. But who check’s on Max and other seniors like him. Who would know if he fell, or got sick? Kim and I plan to check on Max once in a while and reach out to see if there are some other needs we can meet.

I wish Max’s story was unique. It’s not. Every Day in our Country, aging Americans who were once strong, hard-working, loving, people, try to make it through another day. They push through pain, loneliness and even abuse by society, to get from morning to night. The company they keep often has 4 legs and fur because there is no conditionality on their love.

My mother-in-law at 79

So what do we do? Stay alert. When you can help someone do it; even if it takes two minutes out of your time. Most of all, please don’t forget our seniors, as the Baby Boomers come of age, we are going to see more aging American’s than ever before. Let’s look for moments when we can make things easier in some small way.

This story reminded me of the Seniors who have been so special in my life. My mom has just barely reached that age, but thankfully she is still able to do things for herself. She and her husband, Ed, recently invited his dear sister to live with them, she is 90.

My mom and step-dad

My dad worked with seniors in nursing homes and assisted living facilities as an evangelist the whole time I was growing up. I learned the value of silvered hair at a very young age. I lived to far away to help him much as he aged, and went through his final journey, but I'm so thankful for those who were there for him. I was blessed to be able to be here for my mother-in-law in the final years of her life. I treasure the times I was able to learn from her, laugh with her and love her through her final journey.

My dad in WWII

If you aren’t familiar with Parkinson’s Disease, go here - http://www.parkinson.org/

**NOTE: I don’t necessarily recommend going to a stranger’s home and unloading groceries. There are other ways to help…but, if the Holy Spirit leads you in that direction, the safest place to be is in the will of God.

Same Lie Different Day - Can we live a holy life?

2011-03-03T04:45:00.000-08:00

"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die." (Genesis 3:4)

This is the same lie Satan uses today. "Go ahead...surely nothing bad will happen.

In fact, if you just do this, then everyone will be happy. It will all work out just fine."

Did Eve have a choice when she at the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil? She knew what God told her, yet she ate the fruit anyway, on the advice of a serpent. Now, right away I’m thinking, if a snake in a tree starts telling me what I should do, I’m walking away from the tree and getting my head examined. But, In a day before psychologists and therapists, that wasn’t really an option. So, she chose to allow the snake to charm her; allowing evil to enter the perfect world that God created.

Was Eve deceived more by her own will or by satan’s trick. What about Adam?

Have you ever wondered why Adam listened to her? Can you imagine how beautiful she must have been? She was perfect until that point; without blemish and without sin. Adam loved her with the same love that God did. Until they fell, the love they knew was perfect. She had never lied to him, never deceived him. It’s hard to even imagine that kind of perfect love between a husband and wife in our world today.

In retrospect, we might think we could have done better. If given the opportunity to live a holy life, in perfect relationship with the God of the universe, we would like to think we would be smarter, more obedient, and more respectful of God’s laws. After all, there was only one law they had to worry about. Don’t eat from that tree. If only we had been the first humans in that beautiful garden. Surely we would have chosen better.

Somehow I don’t think so. In fact, I may not have even waited for the dreaded snake to start talking. I may have looked at that tree myself, and thought, I wonder if God will really get upset over eating that fruit. Besides, He loves me…he wouldn’t really punish someone He loves.

Actually, we are given the opportunity to live the life that Adam and Eve were first given. We can walk in relationship with God every day, listening to His voice, feeling His presence. We can live a life without willful sin. We can be holy before the God of the universe. In fact, not only can we do this, but we are instructed to do it. The Bible is clear about the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. It is not God who tells us, “A Christian will sin no matter what, because we are first human.”

I don’t want you to believe me about this. In fact, I want you to think I am crazy, and be challenged to dig through every scripture to find the one that says we will sin after we are saved. Find the passage that tells us we can’t help it. It is just inevitable.

Truly, we all have sinned. Romans 3:23 is clear when it says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The book of Romans also tells us, none of us are righteous - no, not even one. But both of these passages are referring to our condition before Christ enters our lives - before we are washed whiter than snow. Once we are redeemed by the power of the Blood of Christ, the game changes. We are indeed new. The old things have passed away, and look…all things, not just some of them…all things are new.

Did you find those scriptures yet?

Try some of these verses that tell us we are no longer slaves to sin.

These passages serve as reminders in my heart that truly it is possible to live a Holy Life when we are in Love with the Lord and living in relationship with Him.

1 Cor. 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (NKJV)

So, we will be tempted...the temptation is common to man...but God is faithful, so we do not have to sin just because we are tempted. This passage is often taken out of context and used for consolation that God will never let more happen in our life than we can handle...but that is truly talking about the temptation to sin...we will never be given temptation without a way out of the sin. We will be able to bear the temptation...just as Jesus did in the wilderness.

1 Peter 1: 13-16 says, "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."

Why is everyone so quick to say they cannot live a sinless life? Why are we so quick to deny the power of God in our lives? Why do we deny the Word of God and refuse to allow Christ to reign in us? We cannot be followers of Christ and deny His Word. The Word of God is truth.

But what about the fact that we do make mistakes? What about the Christian who makes a bad choice? No one said that not sinning makes you perfect or infallible. Making a poor decision, or making a mistake is not necessarily sin. We are not capable of having full knowledge of everything as God does. We do not have perfect wisdom; but, we are capable, because of the Spirit of God within us after salvation, to resist temptation and say no to sin.

I read this to a friend at my critique group recently. He asked me if I was a certain denomination, because apparently some of the verbiage I used sounded like theirs. I have actually never been familiar with their doctrinal statements. What I'm writing here is based on the Bible and a couple of conversations with friends. I am still studying and praying about what this looks like for my life. I certainly don't want to sin willfully. Can I examine my heart honestly and say that I don't, or haven't since the day I gave my life to the Lord? I'm afraid I can't. But, if truly allowing the work of the Holy Spirit in my life, means that I will not willfully sin, then I need to be on my face before the Father, giving up anything that would hinder the work of His spirit in my life.

I would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of holiness.

Is Christ the Lord and Light of Our Lives?

2011-02-09T10:16:00.000-08:00

It makes sense that when I ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of my life, then I must be willing to submit to His Lordship. But what does Lordship mean?

By the dictionary definition, Lordship means have all authority over someone or some area of land. The type of Lordship we give Christ in our life, when we submit our will to Him, is called seigniory. That is, the lord who reigns with seigniory is entitled to our respect, and is one whom is consulted on all manner of spiritual and behavioral actions.

So, what does it mean to make Christ the Lord of our life? It means that we are committing to make him Sovereign in our life. It means that He alone is our authority, and anything contradictory to His will in our life is insubordination on our part. By definition, making Christ the Lord of our life entitles Him to lead our spiritual and physical behavior, even to the point of being granted precedence in our thought life.

It is through His Lordship that the Holy Spirit can work in us to transform our lives. The world tells us that many things are right. We have an “I’m Okay, You’re Okay” attitude. Most of us walk around in a sea of gray. That might seem fine, until you realize that it’s harder to see a shark against the gray, until he is ripping a limb from your body. A transformed life is not going to blend into the gray of the world, or the darkness of evident sin. The transformed-life, will be a light in the world.

Matthew chapter 5 tells us that we are the light of the world, a city on a hill cannot be hidden. I think sometimes we get confused about what that means. God does not make us a light to draw attention to our faithfulness, our righteousness, or our ability to follow the Word of God better than those who have not made a commitment to follow Christ.

Last night I drove home in a snowstorm. We didn’t end up with a lot of measurable snow, but while the storm raged and the winds blew, I could hardly see. I knew I was close to my driveway, but I could not tell where the driveway was, or where the ditch on either side began. I had to stop and look for the reflectors on our mailbox. As the beam from my headlights shined into that reflective material, I knew where I needed to turn to be safely home.

It was such a reminder of what its like when Christians truly make Christ the Lord of our life. Our behavior and even our thought life will reflect Christ. He will shine in us. The light we are, is only His light reflected. Not to be a show, but to be a guide, bringing others safely home.

A Living Sacrifice

2011-01-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12: 1&2 (NKJV)

As I read those familiar verses in Romans this morning one of my favorite worship songs came to mind. Dwight Liles wrote “Take my life, a living sacrifice, knowing it’s the least that I can do. Make my life, a living sacrifice, Holy and acceptable to You.”

So many times we sing from our heart, meaning every word of the song at the moment. Yet, when the music fades, and all is swept away, we bask for a moment – then move on with our lives. Our sacrifice is an hour or two, maybe even three on Sunday morning and maybe an hour a day through the week for the quiet time recommended by theological leaders. What in that sacrifice of time answers the pleading of Paul to the church at Rome?

As I examine my life, I have to look honestly at what I am willing to sacrifice or not.

Am I willing to be transformed by God, rather than conformed to what the world says is right? Am I willing to stand firm in what I believe without wavering to peer pressure. Yes, peer pressure even in our forties. But instead of coming from a fear of being laughed at, or rejected, I think it comes from a desire to think for ourselves.

A rite of passage as an adult is the responsibility to make our own decisions. So, although we want to serve God on some level, we allow ourselves to remain unclear about what that means. We are told by the media that we can have it all and we believe it. The separation of church and state becomes a separation of church and life. Sure, we hang out with Christians, and we attend church activities, put our children in Christian Schools and decorate our homes with assorted inspirational art. Everyone looking at our life from the outside would know that we are Evangelical Christians. Do they know it by our love? Or do they know it by our signage, the marketing hype that comes with the American Christian life? What would they see if they looked beyond the surface? Is our life a living sacrifice to God? Are we willing to lay down our desires to further the Kingdom? Are we teachable, from a biblical perspective? Do we reach outside our comfort zone selflessly? Or do we only extend that far as long as the zone of discomfort is within touching distance of our real life.

American Evangelicals are quick to jump on bandwagons against certain things; like the sanctity of life, the sanctity of marriage, and the sanctity of Christian-ease in the nation. But what about things that don’t draw so much attention to our Evangelical position?

What if people could see the inside of our hearts and homes? What does a life, laid down in sacrifice to God look like?

Examining the parts of our life that no one but God sees reveals our true willingness to present our lives as a sacrifice to the Lord. In the song I mention above, the first line says Take my life, a living sacrifice, KNOWING it’s the least that I can do. That line means so much to me, because all I can do is give God my life. I don’t have the power, on my own, to live a life of consecration to God. The second line, Make my life, a living sacrifice, Holy and acceptable to You, illustrates that it is only God who can make us holy, acceptable and right in His eyes. So, the sacrificed life, is a life that is willing to allow God to make us holy, as He is Holy.

Are the secret places of our life swept clean? Do we allow the discernment of the Holy Spirit to rule the choices we make ? Even the ones that no one will ever know about? Is our life proof of the power of God in our lives? Or do we try so hard to fit the mold the world calls good that we ignore the purifying power of Christ in our Christianity?

I would love to hear your thoughts on what it means to life a life sacrificed to Christ. I will give more of my thoughts in part two of this series.

Yielding to the Call

2011-01-14T08:24:00.000-08:00

I was driving down the highway the other day, and approached a Y in the road. I knew I had to take the fork to the right, but there were others turning from the left. A yields sign stood there, warning me to wait for other traffic to clear before I proceeded on my journey. As I waited for a semi with a double trailer to complete his slow left turn through the narrow, rather odd, intersection, I started to get impatient.

“Come on.” I could hear the irritation in my voice as he tried to turn as safely as possible.

Finally he made is turn, but behind him, three more cars were taking their turns. I had to yield for them as well.

Finally it was my turn. It was such a sense of relief to finally be able to go. After all, I had important things to do. I had to get to the coffee shop, to meet friends and discuss upcoming ministry events over Agave Lattes.

In reality, my wait at the Yield sign was less than 2 minutes, but it felt like forever. In a world where we have so much instant gratification, we expect everything to be immediate and our level of patience with even a slight delay is nil.

Sometimes we bring our haste into things we believe we are supposed to do in our life.

I knew in 1994 that God was calling me to speak and write. I had no idea where to start, but I was anxious to make things happen. For God, right?

I threw myself into church activities, ran for offices and wrote as much as I could. But I couldn’t get a break. Nothing was happening. I couldn’t get published, no one would even talk to me about speaking and my husband thought I had lost my mind.

I was frustrated because every time I thought I was doing what God wanted me to do, I hit road blocks. It took me years to realize they were really yield signs in my path. I needed to wait for things to pass before I could go. Knowing where I was going, didn’t mean I needed to race to get there.

Over the past 17 years there have been many events that made me see why I would not have been ready to effectively minister to others at the beginning of this journey. Throughout the road to becoming an author and speaker there have been many yield signs; and I have learned that it is okay to stop and look to make sure nothing is coming at me before I pull forward.

God’s plan for us does not change just because we proceed with caution. I have also seen many green lights, especially in the past couple of years. It is amazing and humbling to watch God work through the ministry He directs in my life.

Praying Scriptures for our President

2011-01-06T08:18:00.000-08:00

I am all for freedom of the press. I think it is absolutely required in a free country. I am also for freedom of speech and appreciate that I live in a country where, regardless of the backlash we may receive for what we say, we are indeed free to say it without worrying about being imprisoned or fined. That right is in danger as the government has decided to step in with limits to that right. Is it a good idea limit those rights so that something considered hateful is not allowed? I don’t know. I wonder if hatefulness is so subject to interpretation that it would be impossible to prove intent of the speaker. Certainly there are clear statements of hate that would be without debate. Issuing threats against someone’s life or safety are certainly unacceptable. Enticing violence against any group of people for any reason should not be protected under those rights. But where do we draw the line between what is hate speech and what is freedom of religion?

Can someone of the Muslim faith call for jihad against Christians on American soil and be protected by our right to free speech? Can a Christian speak from their Holy book, the Bible without being accused of hating non-Christians? Can someone who is extreme in any faith or creed cause laws to be enacted, taking away the freedom of peaceful Americans due to the actions of less than 100 Americans? These are all hot topics among Christians today. So much so that we are reacting with emotion to defend our faith, and not always reacting the way Christ would have us react.

A recent news story caught my attention, not because of the validity of the source, and not because it was extremely well written. It caught my attention because Christians became incensed by the situation described in the story. Many Christians believed the story was yet another example of the world taking a jab at the Bible and at praying for our nation. I was excited to read the story and was ready to write letters to my congressmen and representatives about how horrible the persecution of Christians is becoming in our society.

One of the comments I read about this story said that it is just another example of the world twisting the Word of God. After reading the story, I was sad. Not because of biblical sensorship, or the world twisting a book so inspired by the God I love and serve; but because it is another example of Christians taking the Word out of context, using it for twisted purposes and disregarding the way the Bible says we are to live as followers of Christ.

The story, which is continuing in Florida, talks about a deputy sheriff who received an email about Psalm 109 being “The Obama Prayer.” Verse 8 (NKJV) says, “Let his days be few; and let another take his office.” In itself, that may not seem that bad. Many Christians are praying that our current administration doesn’t see a second term in office. That is completely in line with our rights as Americans, and it is in line with scripture, to pray for our leadership to be Godly. However, in context, this passage is not benign. Verses 9 through 15 say this, “Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow. Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places. Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour. Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless children. Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out. Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the LORD; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out. Let them be before the LORD continually, that he may cut off the memory of them from the earth.”

What in these verses is the way we should be praying for our President? What in these verses is appropriate for us to pray for anyone? Are we as Christians allowed to take the word of God and twist it for our own, very fleshly, irritation? Yet, get angry with those who are blind to its truth when they can’t understand it? “The Obama Prayer,” is supposedly a joke, I’m not sure I think anything of this nature should be considered funny. Are we so busy being defensive about our faith that we are willing to find prayers of peril for others entertaining?

The deputy at the center of this story reportedly admits that the joke was in poor taste. He did not start the email and it will likely circulate for many months, as this type of trash usually does.

I am not a supporter of the ideals of Mr. Obama. I am not planning to vote for him in the future, nor did I vote for him in the election that brought him into office. However, as an American Christian, I am obligated to respect the office of the land, in this case, the President of the United States, regardless of whether I agree with him or not. I am not talking about obedience as much as I am talking about love.

Matthew 5:44 tells me to love my enemies and to pray those who persecute me. It does not say to pray for their demise, but for them to be blessed. Perhaps “The Obama Prayer” should be taken from Numbers, 6:24. (NKJV) The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”

If our President had the face of God shining on him, and if the Lord lifted up His countenance on him and gave Mr. Obama the peace that passes understanding, the peace that only comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, I can assure you that his presidential decisions would be changed.

2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV) tells us, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

If we are going to have the heart of Christ toward our leaders, and truly pray for them in the way God would have us pray, isn’t their salvation going to be first on our hearts rather than their demise?

Certainly we should use our freedom of speech to voice our concerns over the laws of the land. Write to your congressmen, senators and representatives, attend ralleys, sign petitions, pray without ceasing. Just be sure your heart is right as you walk in the Holy Spirit to be a voice in the desert, declaring the way of the Lord.

To read the article I am referencing in this blog you may use this link. http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=247085

Time Out

2011-01-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

I spend a lot of time with my nephew, Rowan. I visited his home in Arizona over Christmas when he was four. We enjoyed going Christmas shopping, but like most 4 year olds, there were a couple of times I had to correct his behavior as we shopped. As I told him not to touch something in one of the stores, he turned on his heel, and said, "You're not the boss of me." His bold tone was a little less emphatic as he sat in the quiet seat and our shopping trip came to a premature end. Of course by dinner time he was my buddy again.

The following summer, he came to spend several weeks on our farm. He was here for just a few days when I walked to see him taking the dirt from a flower pot and laying it on the coffee table. As I said his name, in an oh-so-stern voice, he jumped. Then he brushed off his hands and said, “Here I come quiet chair,”

As I fought back laughter, and watched him take his seat on the time out stool in the dining room, I asked him why he was digging in the plant. He said, “I wanted to know what was under the dirt.”

He wasn’t trying to make a mess, in fact he was keeping his pile of potting soil pretty neat, with hopes he could put it back. But, he admitted knowing it would have been better to ask what was there, or to ask me to help him discover the mystery of the flower pot.

Thinking it over that evening, I thought of the times my curiosity has gotten me into trouble. Sometimes I’ve needed a time out because I simply wouldn’t listen to God’s voice telling me to stop. Sometimes, my disobedience told God, “You’re not the boss of me.” I may not have admitted it out loud, but walking in disobedience, or avoiding the things we know God has asked us to do, is just like Rowan’s proclamation of my lack of authority in his mind.

Today I value my time in the Quiet Chair. It is important to take a time out each day and sit quietly, thinking about my actions, and God’s voice of authority in my life.

Maybe today it’s time for you to take a time out. Or maybe you have a great way to listen for God’s voice. I would love to hear from you in a comment or email.

Life, Grace, Truth and Consequences.

2010-12-19T15:20:00.000-08:00

In my reflection over the trip to Israel, one thing kept speaking to my heart. I was looking at the pictures of my companions and I stepping out of the Garden Tomb near Golgotha. The photos actually spoke to me even more than actually standing in the tomb. As Christ stepped through that threshold 19 ½ centuries before I was even conceived, He won the battle over sin. He paid the price for my shame and made the way for me to be forgiven. Dying on the cross was the most vivid part of the price He paid. It is the part we focus on the most it seems. But had He just died, it would not have been enough. His resurrection is where the victory is most revealed. His resurrection is why we have hope in Christ, no matter how big we think our sin might be. His LIFE, after it seemed that all was lost, is the miracle of the Christ!

I am so thankful that my savior lives.

Most of my friends, relatives, readers, and those who have ever heard me speak know that I have a prodigal past. I talk about it pretty openly when it is appropriate for sharing what God has done in my life. Until recently, I thought those horrible things I did as I walked further away from God only affected my life and my family. I knew some of my choices hurt my parents deeply. I never thought of others I might have touched with the wake of my out of control sin.

During almost six years of living from one desperate act to the next, I made many stupid choices. I was desperate to be loved and accepted. I was desperate to survive and often, I was desperate for something that would make me feel okay with myself. I longed for peace in my spirit, but I didn’t believe that it was as simple as trusting in a God I could not see or feel.

I surrounded myself with people who seemed to love me and put my trust in the latest group of friends. Only to be disappointed when they couldn’t give me what I needed to be at peace with my life. No matter what I tried to do it was never enough.

One night, close to the end of my rope, I contemplated my life and the worthlessness of it. I already knew how much I would drink so that I would have the courage to end the pain I was causing my family and everyone I touched. My only fear was that if I took my life, my pain would never end. There was no doubt in my mind that God was real, the Bible was true, and Jesus was the savior of the world. I just did not believe that God cared about me. I had been disappointed too many times, so perhaps, I thought, I was not one of the elect that would get to spend eternity in the presence of a God that seemed to pick and choose which of His creation he would love. (That was not what I was taught growing up, none the less, it was my frame of mind as the enemy closed in on my soul.)

I’m sure the low-cut jeweled shirt and short skirt I wore said more than I realized at the time. I didn’t recognize the bus driver, but it wasn’t unusual to find a sub on the route. As I took my seat at the front, he turned toward me. He didn’t say anything, but his sideward glance made me incredibly uncomfortable.

We were about half way to my stop when he looked my direction again. This time he spoke. “So, what do your parents think of your lifestyle?

“What they don’t know, doesn’t hurt them.”

The cliché felt like acid in my throat. I knew I had hurt them, but there was nothing I could do about it.

“Okay,” He looked me straight in the face as he waited for a red light to change. “What does God think of your lifestyle?”

I wanted to tell him what I thought of his questions. But I didn’t.

“He probably doesn’t like it too much.”

The light turned green. I was glad this intrusive driver had to put his eyes back on the road.

“So, if you died tonight, would you go to Heaven or Hell?”

I wanted to ask him who he thought he was. But I didn’t.

“I don’t really want to think about that.” I turned toward the back of the bus, hoping he would stop asking questions.

“You know, God loves you. He wants to bless you and he wants you to trust him.”

His words came just as we reached my stop, but I didn’t ring the bell. He stopped anyway. Opening the door, he asked if I was getting off. I wanted to. But I didn’t.

I rode the entire route with the substitute driver until we got back to my apartment. He handed me a scrap of paper with scripture references on it.

“Do you have a Bible?”

“Yes, I think it’s on the shelf in my closet.”

I wasn’t sure what to think about the bold bus driver, but I knew I had a lot of thinking to do.

That trip through Vista and Oceanside, California with Gary the bus driver was just the beginning of the amazing people God was going to put in my life to bring me to His grace and mercy through Jesus Christ.

Eventually, I turned my life over to God completely. It was difficult to understand at first, but knowing that God’s grace was sufficient, and that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was big enough, even to cover the sins in my life was hard for me to receive at first.

The first time I realized that my sin was gone, cast as far as the east is from the west, and that God would never hold it against me again, I cried for hours. The love that filled my soul at that moment was like nothing I had ever known. I was on my way to becoming whatever God had planned for my life. A life He created for a purpose in His plan for mankind.

Walking with the Lord, being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit and trusting God for my life, even during tough times brought me through more trials, temptations, sickness and struggles…always knowing God had me in the palm of His hand. I rarely thought of my six year journey through godlessness. Even when I gave my testimony, I was careful to talk about things I did that my audience would understand. I talked openly about my alcohol abuse, my promiscuity and the financial binds I put my parents through. There was more, and I knew it, but I didn’t think it mattered since nothing I had done ever really hurt anyone else. I could be honest and transparent without dredging up every sin I had ever committed. After all, they were forgiven.

I have always known that forgiveness does not mean that we don’t face consequences for our actions. In fact, while God’s grace is sufficient to bring us through those consequences, they do exist. It is the natural order of the world as God created it. No action is benign. Sometimes, even years later, we must face our past mistakes in order to make restitution, amends or to let God work in our life, or the lives of others.

As I said, I knew my life had caused pain for my family. We worked through that years ago, and my parents forgave me, actually showing me the perfect example of God’s forgiveness and unconditional love as I was finding my way back to the faith they taught me as a child.

What I did not know, was that someone else had been hurt by my horrible choices and the stupid things I did out of desperation. That is, until I reconnected on facebook with an old friend from “those days”. After a discussion about the Lord, and how much I knew I would be dead, were it not for Christ and the Grace of God, I mentioned that he probably remembered the person I was back then. He did remember. In fact he also remembered the pain I had caused someone else who had been a mutual friend of ours.

My heart broke that something I did had caused pain to someone else. Pain, he said that lasted until the past couple of years. But I didn’t know what to do about it. More than 20 years later, there was nothing that could change what I had done. I asked him to help me find her.

He located her quickly, and I sent her an email. I don’t know what will happen through this, but I do know, that His Grace is sufficient for me. More than anything, it was imperative that she know how sorry I am that I hurt her or affected her life in any negative way. The Word of God is clear, if we know we have offended someone, or caused harm, we must go to that person and try to make restitution.

I pray that God will use this to not only show me more of Himself, but to reach out to her in a supernatural way. Not because of me…but because of what He is still doing in my life and my heart. There will never be a day that I can say God is finished with the process of perfecting my faith, until I stand before Him at the threshold of eternity. Until then, as he calls to mind any sin or hurt in my life, that I have not given to Him, I must have integrity in repenting before God and in expressing my contrition to anyone I may have hurt during my unfaithfulness.

Thank you God, for giving me the chance to repent, and turn from every wicked thing that has ever been in my heart or life.

We Are So Much the Same

2010-12-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

I’ve been home for one week. Israel and her people are fresh on my mind, but as I ease back into my American life, I have taken a few moments to reflect on the take-away. Besides the Biblical and archeological history, wonderful spa experiences on the Dead Sea, seeing the clear-blue waters of the Mediterranean and enjoying five-star cuisine what did Israel leave in my heart?

I will never watch the news from the Middle East the same way. The people, who once seemed so distant, almost as if they were characters in a movie, now fill my heart. Watching children playing, mothers caring for their families, and the fathers celebrating their son’s entrance to manhood, bonded me to Israel and the Jewish people in new ways. None of the moments in everyday life ever crossed my mind when I heard about war-torn regions. It was just a news report. It is hard to admit, but until this trip, I felt almost disconnected from the Middle East. It seemed so far away.

I prayed for Israel, and loved her people because they are God’s chosen people. Their culture, however, seemed distant and difficult to understand. I didn’t really have a point of reference. There was nothing that actually connected me with them.

The woman between the cars is the one to whom I refer in
this blog post. The frist woman was shopping near the gate.

As I sat near the Dung gate watching people rushing through for work or prayers or celebration on the last day of Chanukah, a widow held out her cup begging for alms. She was probably around 75 years old. People happily put a few coins in her cup as they passed, and she spoke a blessing in Hebrew to each of them. The scene could have been taken from any country in any language. But then, the woman turned to me, she said something in Hebrew and smiled with only a few teeth as she waited for my answer. As I sat there, wishing I had finished my Hebrew lessons before the trip, she realized I must be a visitor to her homeland. So, she spoke a different language- Sign Language. Using her hands and some universally recognized gestures, she made her request for me to please watch her belongings while she went to find a water closet. I nodded and she disappeared down the stone walkway toward a public facility. The fact that she trusted me, and drew me into her life, just for a few minutes caught me by surprise. As I kept an eye on her belongings I realized, we are not different. Our cultures may be different, our faith may be different and our language might make communication difficult; but we are the same. We are created in the image of God. We have hopes and dreams and emotions and fears and faith and a desire to live. When she returned, her gratitude was expressed in her eyes, and I understood it fully. Dropping a few shekels in her cup, we said Shalom and parted. I will most likely never see her again, but I will never forget her.

I am toward the bottom left of this picture.
Photo by Steven Norman, used with permission

I felt the same things as I walked through streets lined with Palestinian shops and as I sat side by side with Israeli soldiers watching videos from Holocaust survivors. We all laugh, we all cry, we all smile, we all have thoughts. And, I will never again watch the news about other countries without deep compassion for the people who live there.

It isn’t that I didn’t care about people in other countries. In fact if I had been asked, I would have said that I did care and I even prayed for them, for safety or healing or provision. But it was somehow different. Before the trip, they were on my mind. But now they are on my heart.

My last day in Jerusalem

2010-12-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

The last day in Jerusalem began at the site of the Upper Room. As we looked at the architecture from the 13^th century and though of what happened on that site before the Crusades, I was moved by two things. First, of course, was the fact that Jesus ate his last meal with His disciples at that spot 2000 years ago on the night before He was betrayed. The second thing, striking even more poignantly for me, was that it was that we were standing on the spot where Pentecost occurred. The first spot where people were baptized, not only with water but in the Holy Spirit. The spot where tongues of fire were on their heads and each man spoke in a tongue he did not know, and everyone else understood in their own language. It was the place and time where more people were baptized as believers at a single event than any other time in Biblical history. Standing in the place where people experienced the power of the Holy Spirit for the first time was more than humbling, I could not help but to thank God for bringing me to that place.

From there, the rest of the group went to walk through the old city, but our guide, knowing my desire to connect with the culture, sent me on to the Dung Gate with our driver. It was the last day of Chanukah and a very special day for Bar mitzva at the Western Wall. Families and friends of the boy gathered in a courtyard down the hill, near the Dung Gate. With singing and dancing, drums and shofar they made their way to the Western Wall where the young man received his four corners and read the Torah from a large scroll in an ornate case. It was beautiful.

In contrast, along their route, beggars sat shaking the few shekels in their cups; Passers-by were generous to give these widows a few shekels. Along the street children played with their siblings, Tossing candy to one another and chasing each other in games of tag and wrestling. Watchful mothers stepped in only when the wrestling became too raucous. Children are children in any language and a baby’s tired cry is identical, however, there is a difference in the children in Israel. I did not see them argue with their parents when they were corrected. If their mother said it was time to go, they went without question. These children have an element of respect for their elders and a joy in each moment of living. It was beautiful to watch them, knowing they understand the history of their beloved homeland.

Quietly surveying every moment of the morning, two Israeli soldiers stood by. Their guns were at the ready, but their young faces said they hoped to not see danger in the city. Each Israeli citizen spends time in the armed forces for their country. Boys at 18 will serve for 3 years. Girls for a year and a half.

Following one of the many Bar mitzva I walked up to the Western Wall. The Wailing Wall as some call it. The men’s side was full of the most religious Jewish men. The women’s side is smaller, and much less full. However many women waited with their children for the men to finish prayers. I thought I would want to go to the wall and put a written prayer in it. I didn’t. Watching from a distance was close enough for me.

I went back to the gate to wait for my friends. Soon they came from their walk through the old city. I was so full of joy from being around such a beautiful people. They were mostly worn out from the pace of their tour. I was thankful Tsion suggested I use my time differently.

We gathered at the Robinson Archeological Park for the next leg of our tour. After watching a film about the temple in the days of Jesus, we went to the recently excavated steps of the temple. Many of the steps have been repaired or replaced with dolomite stone, (the same material as the original construction), but there are seven steps toward the bottom that are original. Steps that Jesus or the Jews of His day would have certainly walked on to reach the Temple.

Unfortunately most of the temple gates have been sealed off by other eras but you can still see the arches that were once the doorway to bring the sacrifice to God. Inside that place was once the Holy of Holies.

Our time in Israel was drawing short and we still had many things to see. We headed back toward the Western wall and then up the hill toward the Via Dolorosa where we would have lunch, in the Shuk. Muslim Arab shopkeepers line the way of the cross. Their shops are filled with everything you can imagine, including Christian and Jewish souvenirs. Rosaries, Menorah, Star of David, Crosses with the name of Jesus etched into Olive Wood. On the Via Dolorosa these peaceful Muslims capitalize on religions they consider false. It reminded me of the shops in Tijuana, Mexico, with the men standing outside trying to lure tourist in to spend money. Their thick, Middle Eastern accents could easily be compared to the broken English of the towns bordering the U.S.

Halfway up the climb through the streets of the Shuk we arrived at an Arabian style restaurant for lunch. Pita and salad started our meal. The menu offerings included Humus and Falafel, Shwarma, Kabob and a sort of sesame chicken schnitzel. By the recommendation of a friend from High School, I ordered the Shwarma, grilled chicken chopped up with some spices and fresh vegetables. It was very delicious, especially in pita with pickled cabbage and tubule.

After lunch, we continued our climb through the streets where Jesus carried the cross of Calvary. There are a lot of steps there and the Dolomite is slick from centuries of footsteps. While this construction may not be the original, it is still at least 7 or 8 centuries old and the terrain is the same as it was in the time of Jesus. As we continued to walk I thought of how hard that walk would have been with a 300 pound cross on your back, especially with blood and sweat dripping from your body, making the stone slick and difficult to maneuver. Stopping at each station of the Cross and listening to the part of the story represented by each one, it was impossible not to feel sorrow mixed with gratitude that Christ loves ME enough that he would walk that road.

Finally at the top of the Via Dolorosa, we stepped through a gate into a churchyard. It was non-descript and not what I expected at all. Our guide told us this was the Ethiopian Catholic church; the door was about 5 feet tall. After ducking through it, the ceilings were like that of a cathedral. The Ethiopian church was small and dark. Only candle light and some sunlight streaming through high windows eliminated the pathway.

We exited the little church and entered the courtyard of the most Holy Catholic site. The church of the Holy Sepulcher, the spot where most Catholic believers say Jesus was buried before the resurrection. The inside is ornate and crowds fill the altars hoping to be blessed by the priest there. I took a few pictures, but my priority at this site was personal. The week I spent in Israel, my good friend spent saying good-bye to her mother. I needed to light a candle in this place for her. Mimi Warnock passed away this week. Not being in the states there was little I could do for my friend, but I could light a candle in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in her honor and I could pray there for them. Being able to do such a thing for my friend was a wonderful honor. Please continue to pray for Heather and her family as they enter the Christmas Season without their dear Mimi.

Exhausted from a wonderful week in the Holy Land, a few of us headed back to the hotel to pack and prepare to say goodbye to a country that will forever be etched on our hearts.

Shalom Israel!

From the Holy City to the Lowest Place on Earth

2010-12-07T21:29:00.000-08:00

Tuesday at Masada and the Dead Sea

We left our hotel and headed back toward the West Bank. Jerusalem is very high, about 800 meters above sea level, but we were going to the lowest place on earth, the Dead Sea, which should be called the Sea of Salt because while it cannot sustain life within its waters, the minerals there can improve life for many visitors.

As we drove past the camps of the nomadic Bedouins we were reminded of the way Abraham lived in the deserts of the Middle East. Passing Jericho as we entered the desert of Judea and drove past Bethany, where Mary, Martha and Lazareth lived, it seemed like we were in a time machine. So much of Israel is the same as it was in the days of the Bible.

The mountains of Judea led us to the place where we would descend to En Gedi, the Dead Sea and Masada. This was the only day we were warned about wildlife in the area. Some species of extremely poisonous snakes, hyena and leopards call this desert home. Secretly I hoped we would see a leopard or hyena from a distance. But we didn’t. We did see some cool En Gedi Crows from the top of Masada.

Our visit to Masada (Hebrew for fortress), was poignant and a bit disturbing to me. To imagine the shear strength and fortitude it took for this fortress to be constructed, and the passionate acts of desperation that occurred in what was supposed to be a safe place, was more than I could imagine.

Masada is situated atop an isolated rock cliff at the western end of the Judean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea. On the east the rock falls in a sheer drop of about 450 meters to the Dead Sea and in the west it stands about 100 meters above the surrounding terrain. The natural approaches to the cliff top are very steep.
75 years after Herod’s death, at the beginning of the Revolt of the Jews against the Romans in 66 CE, a group of Jewish rebels overcame the Roman garrison of Masada. After the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple (70 CE) they were joined by zealots and their families who had fled from Jerusalem. With Masada as their base, they raided and harassed the Romans for two years.
Then, in 73 CE, the Roman governor Flavius Silva marched against Masada with the Tenth Legion, auxiliary units and thousands of Jewish prisoners-of-war. The Romans established camps at the base of Masada, laid siege to it and built a circumvallation wall. They then constructed a rampart of thousands of tons of stones and beaten earth against the western approaches of the fortress and, in the spring of the year 74 CE, moved a battering ram up the ramp and breached the wall of the fortress.
Josephus Flavius dramatically recounts the story told him by two surviving women. The defenders – almost one thousand men, women and children – led by Eleazar ben Ya’ir, decided to burn the fortress and end their own lives, rather than be taken alive. “And so met (the Romans) with the multitude of the slain, but could take no pleasure in the fact, though it were done to their enemies. Nor could they do other than wonder at the courage of their resolution, and at the immovable contempt of death which so great a number of them had shown, when they went through with such an action as that was.”
The Zealots cast lots to choose 10 men to kill the remainder. They then chose among themselves the one man who would kill the survivors. That last Jew then killed himself.
After we understood the story of Masada we took a cable car to the top. The excavation there is amazing; they have done a wonderful job. I enjoyed sitting in the Snake Gate watching families bringing their children, some for the first time, to share the story of their heritage with them.
I always thought that Patrick Henry was original when he said, “Give me liberty, or give me death,” but perhaps he knew the story of Masada.
On our way down from this amazing fortress, we visited the museum from the excavation. The lots of the last 10 men, names written on shards of pottery, are there. Although they are written in Hebrew, looking at each piece, knowing it was that small chunk of earthenware that would determine which of the Jews at Masada would take the life of his friends and then his own, so that the Roman’s could not take them again into slavery made me stop and reflect on how easily we allow the world to make us it’s slave, rather than enjoying the freedom we have to worship and serve the God of the Universe. These men, right or wrong, would be slave to nothing. They would not watch as their wives and children were defiled by captors, yet we so often defile our own bodies. Their only desire was to worship their God…a God so holy they could not speak His name…even if it cost them everything. My mind is full from this experience, so I will have to ponder it more before I can write about it more clearly. Please understand that this posting is my immediate gut reaction to the things I’ve seen today.
When we left Masada, we went to lunch in En Gedi and saw a very interesting tree. The Apple of Sodom. Our guide told us it was so called because of its poison. It seems the people of Sodom were so evil; they would serve this fruit to guests. I don’t think that is the gift of hospitality.
It is also a useful plant, the fruit, when dry, offers a pod that has a cotton-like substance, perfect for making wicks for oil lamps. We found one pod on the ground so we could see what Tsion described.

After lunch we visited the Ahava cosmetics factory. This factory takes the minerals and resources from the Dead Sea and the surrounding area to make creams and other products for skin care. It was a nice tour and some of our group were excited to purchase their products at factory prices.

From there, we went to Mineral Beach at the Dead Sea. It was incredible to coat ourselves in the thick mineral mud, and float without effort on the waters of the Dead Sea. It is an experience of a lifetime. The great thing was, after we rinsed the mud and salt from our bodies, our skin was so smooth and radiant…we all felt great the rest of the day.

We got back to our hotel in Jerusalem just in time to change into warmer clothes and head to the Jaffa Gate of the old city. Inside, we were seated in the citadel of King David and watched the history of Jerusalem unfold in lights on the Dolomite walls around us. It was the most amazing light show I have ever seen. Nothing at Disney or any other studio I’ve experienced has even compared to the complete experience of this show.

We enjoyed dinner at the hotel, laughing and visiting with our friends old and new. It’s bittersweet that tomorrow is our last day in Israel. The people we are traveling with will never leave our hearts. And Israel is forever etched on my soul. Please pray with me for the peace of Jerusalem, and for the Jewish people…God’s Chosen People.
Love and Joy to each of you!
Shalom!

Day 5, He is Alive!!

2010-12-06T19:50:00.000-08:00

Monday, December 6^th

Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I woke up to another amazing day in Israel.

There has been a drought here for a long time. In fact Jerusalem had not received rain since April, today it rained all day. They needed it so badly and it didn’t dampen our plans at all since most of our agenda was indoors today.

We left the hotel this morning and drove past Gahanna to the Kidron Valley and the Jaffa Gate to Mt. Scopus. After looking over the city, seeing the golden dome of the Mosque, built where the Temple will one day stand again, the Islamic cemetery along the entire east side of the wall and seeing the Eastern Gate, where Christ will return, sealed off as if to keep Him out, I felt something in my spirit stir.

It doesn’t matter what man does to try to stop God’s plan. It won’t work. Christ’s return to Jerusalem is not dependant on a gate being open, and he is not a priest, who cannot pass through a cemetery. In fact, he conquered death and nothing can keep Him from fulfilling the prophecy from thousands of years ago.

Next we went to the Mount of Olives, the area above the east wall of old Jerusalem and to the Garden of Gethsemane. A beautiful church is there. I stood on the stone entry of the church, looking again at the Eastern Gate of the Holy City. A song came to my heart.

“Signs of the times are everywhere, and there’s a brand new feeling in the air, keep your eyes, upon the Eastern sky, lift up your head, redemption draweth nigh”

I’ve known that song since I was a child, but never has it felt so real…If back then it seemed so real, then I just can’t help but feel how much closer His coming is today.

I stood there for quite a while, in the rain, with tears flowing freely down my face. I was standing on the hill where he prayed, “Let this cup pass from me, but, not my will but thine be done.”

As that sunk in, I thought about the fact that I was facing the place of His Triumphant return. I stood for several minutes soaking it in, before I went into the church. A beautiful mass was starting and as the priest spoke of God’s love for us, and the season of Advent I sat, on a bench to the side of the church, and cried. Thankful for the scarf I brought to cover my head in respect for the holy sites we visited. It was a good way to wipe the tears as well.

From Gethsemane, we traveled to the Garden Tomb and the place many believe is Golgotha. You can certainly see the skull in the side of the mountain there. It was touching to hear the story from our British guide. He talked about the fact that Jesus’ agony would have been at Golgotha, but not necessarily ON Golgotha because the Romans wanted passers-by to see the agony on the faces of those they crucified. It struck me, to think that the agony of Christ was so intentional, that they would want to put it on display as something they were pleased to do. Yes, I have seen The Passion of the Christ, and yes, I understand, to the degree that any 21^st century American can understand, that the crucifixion was horrible. I even knew in my head that crucifixion was a common way to put criminals to death. But, standing near Golgotha, looking over the place they may have put the cross of Jesus, and thinking of people passing by on camels and donkeys, or even walking, looking into His face, shouting insults…Silent tears could not be stopped. Throughout the garden there were sobs, and sometimes wailing at the thought of our Savior, whom we love going through such sacrifice, because He first loved me. For a few moments, I was not in the Golgotha of 2010, but transferred to a place long ago, where I stood with Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the Mother of Jesus, weeping as He laid down His life for me.

As Jesus breathed his final breath on the cross, an earthquake shook Jerusalem, the sky turned to black and the veil on the temple, which blocked access to the Holy of Holies, was torn. That curtain was several inches think. It was not like tearing a normal piece of fabric, it was miraculous, and intentional. With Jesus work on earth fulfilled, the penalty for sin paid, we gained access to God our Father. We were no longer subject to God’s wrath.

Knowing it was finished; Joseph of Aramathea and Nicodemas went to Pilot and asked for Jesus Body, they had to bury Him before sunset because it was the Sabbath. Pilot sent a guard with them to take the body off of the cross. To be sure He was dead; the soldier pushed a sword into his side. Already drained of His blood, Water poured from the wound. Jesus was indeed dead.

His friends wrapped his body for burial, packing the wraps with spices and carried him to the tomb, borrowed from Joseph. A tremendous stone was rolled in front of the opening and Roman soldiers placed there to guard the body, so that His friends could not come back and steel it.

Most Christians know this story, and we know that is not the most important part of the story. After the Sabbath was over, the women came back to the tomb with more spices…but the stone was rolled away, and His body was not there. Still, that’s not the most important part. While His earthly body was in the tomb, Jesus was not there. He descended into the very bowels of Hell, defeated death and Satan, Preached life to the captives in Abraham’s Bosom and then returned to be resurrected with the body that was healed and restored.

As I stood in the tomb, I thought of something else I had not considered much before. His body was beaten beyond recognition, His skin sliced to shreds by the scourging on his back, His head pierced by the long thorns on the crown they placed on His head to mock him. There is no natural way that His body would have been functional in three days. Except, that when His divine nature, and power to heal stepped back into His earthly vessel, He was healed so completely that only scars remained to prove to the doubting disciple He was indeed Jesus.

Stepping out of His tomb, and leaving it empty, brought Joy to my heart. We do not serve a God who is impersonal or cold. We do not have a Savior who is in a grave, turned back to ash and dust. The God of Heaven is alive, He is real and He is personal.

When we left the Garden tomb, we drove past the House of Parliament to The Shrine of the Book, a museum built to display the Dead Sea Scrolls. It was very interesting, although, unless you read Hebrew, it is not possible to read them. The display is well done and very interesting.

At the same site there is a scale model of the Holy Land. It is the entire city of Jerusalem at the time of Herod the Great. Very intricate detail makes it much easier to understand the lay of the land and the relationship of one section of the city to the others

From there we traveled a few minutes to Yad Vashem, the National Holocaust Memorial. They have done a beautiful job, ensuring that no visitor will ever forget the atrocities against the Jews in the hands of the Nazis. I was glad I got to see it. Toward the end of the museum, is the Hall of Names. They are collecting and offering information on the 6,000,000 Jews who lost their lives during the Holocaust, 1.5 million of whom were children.

A special building is dedicated to the innocent children put to death for no reason other than their bloodline. Prisms reflect the light of 6 candles, making 1.5 million flames in memory of the children. A perpetual announcement of names cycles as visitors walk through the special place. It takes over a year for the list to completely cycle. Astonishing.

After we left Yad Vashem we came back to the hotel to freshen a bit before dinner. Be sure to watch for a special blog post about Israel’s fine restaurants after I return to the states. I am too full of everything else I have seen to write much about the food today.

Here is a teaser...

Chicken stuffed figs with pomegranite-tamerind sauce

Blessings and Shalom!!

On the Road to Jerusalem

2010-12-05T21:15:00.000-08:00

After another beautiful breakfast on the shores of Galilee we loaded the bus and said farewell to Tiberius. Our first stop was Zippori, the town where archeologists believe Mary lived as a child. They are doing an incredible job with the excavation there. It is very interesting to see the process of revealing more than 2000 years of history. They have done a wonderful job uncovering and preserving the mosaic floors discovered there. The intricacy of the floors is quite amazing.

From Zippori we went to Nazareth, to Kfar Kadem Hosha’aya, a recreation of a Galilean village from the time of Jesus. It was so much fun to spend time in this interactive village. We were greeted by Menachem Goldberg. Tea was served from a brass pot and we gathered on stone benches as he took us 2000 years back in time. We donned the 4 square robes and covered our heads with the authentic triangle wrap before we headed to the stables, threshing floor, olive press and ovens. It was great fun to milk the goat, spin wool to thread, make cheese from the goat’s milk, thresh the wheat as Ruth did, grind it to flour with a mills stone and then bake our own unleavened bread on an outdoor oven heated with palm branches and wood. It was also delicious with hyssop and olive oil. The stories Menachem told throughout our visit brought the Bible to life. After riding donkeys we gathered for lunch under a palm branch roof. It was some of the best food we have had so far in Israel. Simple food from a time that will never be forgotten.

Reluctantly we said goodbye to Menachem, He gave us a pigeon and a capsule to put a note on the bird’s leg to send back to him.

Leaving Kfar Kadem we traveled through the Valley of Kesurat, where Deborah fought her battle. Then past Mount Tabor. We drove by Endor, where Saul consulted the witch. Dropping from there to the Valley of Jezereel was like a dream. We passed the Spring of Tin Harod where Gideon tested his people, and toward the Mountains of Gilead. Finally we arrived at our next stop, Tel Bet Shaen, The ruins of an amazing city from Roman and Bisentine times. We spent time exploring the theater, the beautiful marble buildings and the remnants of homes.

Next we drove toward Samaria, and then as Jesus did 2000 years ago, we took a route that did not take us through Samaria on our way to Jerusalem.

Driving along the highway, our guide pointed out the places where terrorist attacks and war had ravaged his homeland. We saw many caves that hid attackers as they waited to ambush Israeli soldiers. It truly brought the news to life. I will write a lot more on that later.

It was dark when we arrived in Jerusalem. At our hotel, Joyce, Amber and I took our pigeon to the steps of the hotel, attached our note of thanks to Menachem and released the beautiful bird to return to Nazareth.

Our first night in the Holy city was quiet, but you can already feel God’s Presence here.

Great is the Lord, And greatly to be praised, in the City of our God, in the Mountains of His Holiness, Beautiful for situation, the Joy of the whole earth, ‘Tis Mount Zion on the sides of the North, the city of the Great King.

Shalom!

Capernaum and the Golan Heights...another incredible journey.

2010-12-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

NOTE: I may have to edit or add to this post later, I am so tired tonight I can hardly put a sentence together, but it is such a good tired. :)

Today we enjoyed breakfast on the patio overlooking the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights that were occupied by Syria until the 6-day-war in 1967 reclaimed the land for Israel. Sitting there in such peace, it seemed surreal that many Israelis remember such fear from their not so distant past.

After breakfast we caught a boat to cross the Sea of Galilee to Capernaum. We visited the synagogue where Jesus first taught, as well as the places he healed people, including Peter’s Mother-in-law and the man they lowered through the ceilings. Most of it is just foundations, pieces of tile or marble pillars, but to know that Jesus taught at that exact spot was overwhelming.

I was so blessed to bring the devotional at Capernaum. We’ll post the video of that in a follow-up blog-post when return to the states.

After Capernaum we visited the Mount of the Beatitudes, The church of the Multiplication (of loaves and fishes) the Church of the Mensa Christi, which is also the place where Jesus told Peter, on this Rock, I will build my church.

We ate lunch at an awesome restaurant that serves only one dish…St. Peter’s Fish. The same type of fish, the same way they prepared it in Jesus time. I usually hate fish…but of course you can’t be extremely picky when it is the only item on the menu…so I ordered the fish. When it came, looking at me from the plate, my stomach got a bit weak…but being the tough farm wife I am. I began taking off the parts of the fish I absolutely would not eat. The rest was actually quite good. I was glad someone else asked for tartar sauce before I thought of it. It seems asking for such a condiment is a complete insult to the cook. They will happily give you Lemons…and even salt…but please, don’t ask for tartar sauce or ketchup.

After lunch, our guide took us up through the Golan Heights. At times we were literally 2 feet from the borders of Jordan and/or Syria. There were countless bunkers and landmines still littering the hillsides from a war that ended the summer I was born. It was incredible to hear the stories from Tsion. He knew about the war first hand, having served as an officer with tanks in the Israeli Army until he retired and took up tourism.

While on the road we passed Gadara, where Jesus made the demons go into the swine and run into the sea. We also passed many ruins of homes and churches along the way.

Finally we came to a spot where Tsion told us to close our eyes and follow him…a feat which is rather difficult, but when we came to the end, and opened our eyes. We could see the entire region of Galilee…We were at Peace Vista, the place Israel took back from Syria. The view was breathtaking.

On our way back we visited the baptismal sight on the Jordan River, started by Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel Several years ago. The spot that is actually believed to be Jesus’ baptismal sight is not accessible, but the Jordan River still flows, ready to provide the place to commit or re commit lives to Christ.

A short break at our hotel gave Amber and me the opportunity to take advantage of the wonderful Mineral spa at our hotel. All I can say is Ahhhhhhh…much better. LOL

Dinner at the Deck’s Restaurant in Tiberius capped off another wonderful day in the Holy Land. Please continue to keep us in prayer. Tomorrow we leave here and go to Jerusalem. I know the presence of God is going to be so strong there…and I know that I have no idea what we will find in the City. What I do know, is we are ready.

Before saying goodnight this evening, Amber and I spent a long time in prayer, we were visiting in her quarters, and just felt led to pray…it was a sweet time with the Lord and we are both excited about what he will do with the rest of this trip.

Shalom to all.

From Tel Aviv to Tiberias, with a stop at Armegedon.

2010-12-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

The Mediteranian Coast at Cesarrea

Pieces of statues unearthed at Cesarrea

An archway at the Ampetheater, strengthened with the engineering of an egg.

Near the Hippodrome

Wonderful fruit and sweets. The persimons were so good.

Lovely grilled vegetables, it's very easy to eat healthy here.

And easy to eat no so healthy too.

Tsion Ben David blessign the wine and bread.

This morning we started in Tel Aviv, Breakfast at the David Intercontinental Hotel was a fabulous array of fruits, like dates, figs, plums, pears, melon and berries. Smoked salmon and other fish were prepared to perfection and there were many vegetables, hummus, cheese and eggs. The cappuccino is so smooth and rich and the service was fantastic. The serve Lemonade here like it’s water, but in fact it is mostly lemon juice and sugar…with very little water. It’s so delicious, especially with sprigs of mint.

After breakfast, we left Tel Aviv and went to Caesarea. There, we visited the Amphitheater, The Hippodrome, some bath houses and other BC architecture. Much of it has been reconstructed after war or earthquakes but it is still older than the relics in the western world.

From Caesarea we drove to Tel Megiddo, the future site of Armageddon. We had a wonderful lunch of vegetables and chicken, fish or meatballs. After lunch we toured the ruins of the civilizations that were once on this Tel. There were 26 that they know of, and the remnants of the past are beyond words. The most impressive, is the spring-fed water works, built in 10 BCE. A large pit with 183 stairs led down 35 M, and an 80M tunnel led to the spring under the bedrock. The spring was the source of water of the city and allowed it to survive long sieges. This system overcame a problem where the spring was initially located outside the walls, and the secret passage enabled the defenders to tap into fresh water without the knowledge of the enemy. During peaceful times the spring was also accessed from outside the walls, but during siege this entrance was blocked and camouflaged. At the end, we only had to climb up 80 steps to the surface. I am definitely going to up my work-out at home. If I can do that and survive, I can certainly push myself a bit harder.

From there we traveled to Nazareth, some most of our group visited the Church of the Annunciation, where some Franciscan Catholics believe Mary found out she was going to have a baby. I enjoyed seeing the church from the outside, but decided to stay behind and watch life in 21^st Century Nazareth for a bit. The people who live in Nazareth are not primarily Jewish. It is mostly inhabited by Arab Christians…however, many mosques are being erected in some areas of Nazareth. I enjoyed visiting in a store owned by Christian Arabs while I was there. It was wonderful to see an obvious Christian presence in Jesus’ home town. I felt entirely safe and entirely welcome among the Arabs on the City’s street. Of course, it might have been because our driver, Samuel, pronounced like Shamool. Went into the store where I shopped, and told them to keep an eye on me because they were leaving but would be back for me. It was very cool to watch him arrange for my safety, just in case it was needed.

After the rest of the group returned from the church we drove out of Nazareth. On the way we passed Mary’s Well. Which is the place claimed by the Greek Orthodox church to have been where Mary was told of her role in bringing Jesus to His people.

The entire country is a living history book, truly every rock, every layer; even the air brings a lesson in history, theology and the sovereignty of God. (He-Shem)

We arrived to our hotel in Tiberius just as the sun was setting, ushering the beginning of Shabbat, the Sabbath. The sky grew dark quite quickly, but the sounds of the Sea of Galilee lapping at the banks of Tiberius and the music and chanted prayers of Hebrew Worship made a wonderful back drop as we prepared to go to dinner. I walked out on the patio off my room; the stars were coming out and could see Draco and Orion’s Belt overhead. Suddenly it hit me; I was seeing them, not as I had seen them from home, hundreds of times…but from the same spot that Jesus, and the Disciples and Mary… What an amazing gift to gaze at the stars from the place where the maker of the stars once enjoyed their light.

An amazing buffet of delicious foods greeted us after the blessing of the wine and bread for Shabbat. Our guide, Tsion Ben David blessed the items for us. It was very interesting to me, that the wine and the bread were so vital. And, are the same elements that represent the body and blood of Christ in Christianity.

After dinner, Amber and I walked down the shoreline in front of our hotel for a few minutes. It was perfect…Now, back in my room, I have my glass door opened to the sea and a light breeze is rustling through the date palms on the shore. It’s been a great day in the Holy Land…and we are looking forward to an amazing tomorrow.

We're Here and the Food is AMAZING

2010-12-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

I finally made it to New York City. Smack in the middle of Queens, to Kennedy International Airport. The international terminal is quite a ways from Delta, so I was happy that I asked for assistance due to my hip. Checking in at El Al was an amazing experience. I believe traveling to Israel on the first day of Chanukah is one the most incredible opportunities to see the chosen people of He-Shem and to watch their customs and faith.

We were honored to be guests in the King David Lounge. Oddly, two different people came up to me like old friends and said, “Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you,” then patting my shoulder continued their end of the conversation in Hebrew. I don’t know who the Jewish woman is, that apparently shares my features, but apparently people like her.

The flight crew was wonderful. They did everything in their power to make everyone comfortable on the 10 hour flight. This morning, about 4:30 a.m. the most beautiful thing happened. All of the Hasidic men on the plane, (and there were A LOT of them) Stood up, donned their prayer capes and coverings and began praying simultaneously in Hebrew. It was amazing.

A few hours later, a minion (10 men in a line) formed across the plane from my seat. All of them faced Jerusalem from the air and began praying together and bowing in worship to He-Shem. (He-Shem simply means “The Name” and is the preferred way to speak of God among the Jews I have met so far. )

Once we landed in Tel Aviv and went through customs, we headed to our hotel to freshen up. Our guide, Zion Ben David and our driver, Samuel are wonderful, we have had a non stop lesson on the history and culture since we boarded the bus.

After we checked in and freshened a bit, we went to the Port at Tel Aviv for dinner at Boya restaurant. I have NEVER experienced such amazing food in my life. After ordering they began bringing rounds of tapas. They brought hummus, tahina, pita, roasted vegetables, a cauliflower dish that was incredible, calamari, shaved beef, brouchetta and some other things I can’t remember the name of. We were practically full before they brought the main course. Mediteranian Sea Bass, Rib Steak, Lamb Kabob and other incredible delights came to the table. Being from the Midwest, I had to try the steak. I must say, I have NEVER had a better steak anywhere. It was perfectly cut, perfectly cooked and perfectly delicious. It quite literally melted in my mouth.

After dinner we went to old Jaffa, otherwise referred to as Joppa in the New Testament. It was incredible. We spent more than two hours walking through the city. I am going to let the pictures do the telling for Jaffa.

I have a 7 a.m. wake up call and as of now, it is 2 a.m. Israel time. Good night and He-Shem bless you. Keep praying and I will keep posting.

Delays, Reroutes, and Blessings in Disguise.

2010-12-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

The adventure began as soon as I stepped up on the curb at the Kansas City International Airport.

As I shuffled my bags to pull out flight information, my passport and some cash for a tip, an eager and able sky-cap approached to offer assistance and curb side check-in for my flight. Chit chatting as we stepped to his kiosk, it looked like a beautiful day to fly.

His countenance changed as he searched for my name in his data base. “I’m sorry ma’am, your flight is cancelled. Let’s step inside.

At the Delta counter we got the good news, and the bad news. The good news? The flight was only delayed by 2 hours. The bad news? Taking that flight I would miss my connection to JFK, thus missing my connection to the international flight to Tel Aviv.

I must say, the skycap was as helpful as possible as he directed me to the LINE for Delta customer service to see if something could be done.

After standing in line for 45 minutes the Delta representative called US Airways and booked me on a flight from Kansas City to Charlotte, then back to Delta for the last leg to JFK. I had 45 minutes to catch a shuttle to the other terminal, go through security and board my new flight.

As I dashed to the Red-Bus-zone I overheard another passenger with almost the same situation, upset because their luggage was checked early, and was already in Detroit, but their flight was delayed and they were being rerouted. Hopefully their luggage finds them; I am so using that story in my article about packing tight and using carry-on vs. checked luggage.

At the US-Airways ticket counter, the clerk discovered that, while I was confirmed on their flight to Charlotte, the system had somehow cancelled my seat on the Delta flight to JFK. Thankfully another phone call between the airlines rebooked that flight for me. That settled I looked at my phone for the time. I had 20 minutes to get through security and board my flight.

Now, for most people that might seem like a long time; especially when the line was relatively short. But, I ALWAYS set off the metal detectors because of my hip, and in Kansas City, US-Airways does not have full-body scanners.

“BEEP” the monotone alarm sounded as I stepped through the portal, with 14 minutes to catch my flight I was corralled to wait in line for phase two.

“Female Assist”

“We’ve got three ahead of her.”

“Stand by.”

“Ma’am, it will be just a few minutes," the TSA agent seemed not to notice that I could hear the conversation on his walkie-talkie.

I wondered silently if the plane would wait, but relaxed knowing that this whole trip was orchestrated and arranged by God. If he could provide a trip to the Holy Land, he could certainly get me through security.

I’m not sure how, but it took less than one minute for a very nice, female, TSA agent to retrieve me from the holding pen. The necessary pat down procedure was smooth and without intrusion or shame. In fact, even the parts of the procedure she pointed out as being the new methods, didn’t seem much different than previous TSA screenings. As she waited for the testing machine to be available, so she could run the check for residue from her gloves, I asked her if people who wear looser fitting clothing make her job easier, or if more form fitting garments, jeans etc. were better. To my surprise, light, loose fitting fabrics that aren’t too baggie or too close to the skin make the pat down procedure more comfortable for the TSA agents and the passengers. (In case you were wondering, as I was, about proper attire for a TSA visit.)

Finally having the all clear from the residue test, I was free to fly. I grabbed my shoes, sweater, carry-on, back pack and net-book and rushed to the gate. As I stepped up to the podium my name filled the speakers in the waiting area.

“Passenger Soannenmosheir, we need you on board the aircraft immediately.” It’s always a good laugh to hear the way my name is pronounced by strangers. J

The static filled broadcast had not ended when I handed my boarding pass to the gate agent and hoofed it, in my socks, down the ramp toward the waiting plane. Thankfully a line at the aircraft door allowed me to dropped my shoes and slip my feet into them before boarding. Organizing everything else waited until I was in my seat. Row 20 seat C. An aisle. I never thought about being picky about the seat as I was being shuffled around…but I was thankful for the aisle God provided.

It was a little crazy in the airport…but God cares so much about my comfort that he allowed a bit of chaos to give me a better seat on a better flight. The seat on Delta…was a window seat, on a full flight. As I write this blog entry, I am in the air, in my aisle seat, with an empty seat between me and the tall gentleman in the window seat.

Keep praying as you follow this adventure. It’s going to be amazing!

Less than 12 hours and counting

2010-11-30T20:33:00.000-08:00

Passport? Check
Netbook? Check
Tickets? Check
Camera? Check

Everything for a week, packed in one carry-on bag and a backpack? Check, Check, and Check.

Months ago, when I found out I might go to Israel, I really didn't think it would happen. I mean, how does a relatively unknown writer, wind up going on the trip of a lifetime to explore and write about the Holy Land? I may stop pinching myself when I step off the plane in Tel Aviv.

I tried to learn Hebrew for the trip, but I was relieved when our coordinator told me most people speak english. Still, I'm excited to try the few words I actually learned. "Shalom, Ani Pamela. Miatah?" I'm probably not spelling it correctly, but I have the pronounciation down. At least on that one. So, in typical sanguine fashion, I may know the name of everyone I meet in Israel. And I can probably remember enough to ask them how they are. If they answer in Hebrew, I'm done. Unless they really like Gleedah. After all, everyone likes Gleedah.

Seriously, I am so thrilled to be heading to the land where Jesus lived, taught, healed, cast out demons, ate with his friends and walked voluntarily to His death - and ultimately rose again. Hopefully I can fit enough tissues in my bag to catch the flood of emotion I can already feel threatening my tear ducts.

We are scheduled to see so much in just a week. I'm not sure what internet access will be available, other than at our hotels, so will update the blog as much as I can. Please feel free to leave comments and share your experiences in the Holy Land if you have been blessed to visit.

For now, I bid you goodnight. I hope you enjoy taking this journey with me. Be sure to click "Follow" and subscribe to the feed etc.

Oh...and if Gleedah has you scratching your head, not to worry...I will post a picture of it soon.

Blessings and Joy,
Pamela

Praise & Paraphrase Available for Now, Order extras for Christmas.

2010-11-09T05:21:00.000-08:00

It's finally out! You can find Praise & Paraphrase in time for Christmas at Amazon!

Or look for a booksigning near you.

http://www.amazon.com/Praise-Paraphrase-Spiritual-Truth-Everyday/dp/1936501031/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289308585&sr=8-2

But, do we submit to the fallen?

2010-08-28T16:18:00.000-07:00

At a conference, a woman asked me if she still needed to submit to her husband if he was not a Christian and not interested in attending church with her or reading the Bible, praying with her, etc.

Faith in the Fog

2010-07-07T10:06:00.000-07:00

As my personal assistant, Melissa, and I drove to Omaha the other day we were surrounded by intermitent rainstorms and fog. Cresting a hill out of a drizzling rain, we were ushered immediately into a thick fog bank. Drivers around us pulled to the side, some stopping, some slowing to a crawl. I slowed slightly but continued, knowing that over the next hill the road would likely be clear. The 18-wheeler next to me pushed forward at the normal speed limit and as we came to the end of that valley, just as I had expected, the fog became thinner and at the top of the next hill was a memory in our rear view mirror.

Our walk of faith is often like that foggy highway. We continue our forward pace when the road is clear. But, when we can't see God's plan clearly, we hault. Sometimes our walk is slowed, but sometimes we stop completely, still sadder, some of us turn around and go back to the roads we knew before.

It's funny that we have faith that the highway is still there, even when the fog keeps it out of our site, yet we doubt the presence of God in our lives just because we aren't seeing Him clearly.

He is still there, still going before us. His plan is still in place. Move forward in your faith, even on days filled with fog. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." (NASB)

He is there, even in the fog. He knows the road better than we do. He created it for us. He will make our path straight no matter what we are going through.

Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. (NASB)

Prayer: Dear Lord, Let us trust you even in the fog. When we can't see Your plan clearly, let our faith push us forward to continue the race for Your glory. Take the burden of blindness from our spiritual eyes. Let us acknowledge your presence in our lives and hearts each day. In Jesus name. Amen.

Lessons From Beagles

2010-05-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

It is a gorgeous, sunny day...windows open...would be nice if the beagles weren't so talkative today...but I guess they are happy it's a sunny day too. Many people love to hear the yelp of a beagle. I admit it is a nice sound sometimes...when they are hunting...but not so much when 9 of them are talking to one another.

These dogs are well cared for, even though they really serve no purpose. They are not companions, as they are all outdoor dogs. They are not guard dogs, they are not hunters. But, Fred loves them, He feeds them, waters them, and cares for them everyday. He makes sure their immunizations are up to date, gives them the preventative treatments recommended by veternarians for things like heartworms and calls each of them by name. (although a few of them have the same nick name) He doesn’t care that they aren’t of champion lines, or that some of them aren’t even very smart. He loves them unconditionally – and they love him.

As I watched him load the weekly supply of 50 pound bags of dog feed from his pick-up, I thought of all the work he puts into these dogs. It made me think of the way God loves us. Unconditionally…and all we have to do in return is love Him. He doesn’t ask us to be anything that we are not. He cares for us and protects us every day, as long as we stay in His will.

Fred has lost a couple of dogs because they dug out of their pen or broke their chain. It breaks his heart for one of his dogs to run into danger and be hurt. Each time he has to say goodbye to a dog that has run blindly onto the highway, not understanding the danger when they leave their pen, he hurts deeply.

Oh how it must hurt the Lord when we run away from His presence, just to chase something that caught our eye…a rabbit or a butterfly is all it takes to lead a dog from safety, sometimes it is less than that for us.

The beagles are quiet now, they will shout with excitement in a few hours when Fred heads to their kennels and pens with buckets of dog food and water.

How often do we express our excitement when our Master comes to feed us? The Bible says if we don't praise Him the rocks will cry out. I wonder if rocks sound like beagles? I don't think I want to find out.

How Time Flies

2009-12-22T04:19:00.000-08:00

I probably should be writing something totally Christmasy this week, but as I signed in and noticed that it has been just over a month since my last post, I thought of how fast time goes by.

It's not a new idea. I realize that I didn't discover this phenomenon of fleeting time. But I began to wonder if, perhaps, there is a spiritual implication to the fact that time seems to speed up as the years go on.

Is it because we are so busy that we don't take time to enjoy the gifts God gives us every day? Is it a side effect of aging, as we get older, 12 months becomes minuscule in relation to our age?

Or, could it be, maybe, just a random thought here, that God allows us to see time as fleeting so that we will feel a sense of urgency to be about our Father's business? I was talking to a businessman the other day. He does not know the Lord and his perspective on the month of December was much different than mine. "This month is just dragging on and on," he said.

I thought he must have been kidding. I was trying to figure out how Christmas week had reached us so quickly. Then I thought of Advent, the time of waiting. I love the tradition of Advent, but I have never really felt like I was waiting, I already have Christ. Thankfully, I don't have to wait for his birth, or for his sacrifice or the glorious day of His resurrection. I am my beloved's and He is mine. For those of us who are in Christ, the wait is over.

But for those who are still in darkness the wait is long. Like driving to a new destination, getting there seems to take forever because you don't really know what to look for. Those without Christ don't even know what they are waiting for, but they do know the longing in their lives. That longing and feeling of the unknown can make time stand still for them.

Yes, for those of us in Christ the wait is over, but the work has just begun.

In all of our busyness, are we lifting Jesus higher? As we make our gift lists, grocery list and honey-do lists, are we being Christlike in our behavior and treatment of others? My grammy used to say that some people could "make me lose my religion". It was a cliche', and she was kidding, but it happens every day. How patient are we in long lines of Christmas Shoppers? How often do people see Jesus in us as we speed through our busy day?

We are about to celebrate the Light of the World. Are we allowing that light to shine through us?

Let's do more this week than talk about the Savior's birth. Let's shine His light for all to see.

"For unto us a son is born, for unto us a child is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Have a blessed week!

One Door and Only One

2009-11-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

I have a weekly meeting that attend in the same location each Monday. Recently I arrived to find that the location had been changed due to a scheduling mix up. The new occupants of our meeting room pointed me in the general direction of my meeting and I went to find my crew. I walked the halls of the building trying every door with no success. After searching for about 40 minutes I was about to give up, I decided to try one more time. As I walked the first floor, a security guard walking in front of me abrubtly stopped and faced the wall. The wall slid open and he went in. I hurried to where he had been standing and there it was. An elevator, painted in such a way that it was completely camouflaged with the wall. I pushed the button and waited for the car to arrive. In minutes I was with my group, who had been wondering where I could be. I still have know idea where the stairway to that floor was hidden.

Some people go around trying every spiritual door, finding them locked or finding the wrong group occupying the room. Jesus said knock and the door will be opened unto you. Seek and you will find. The door is right there but so often people walk right past it. I might have never found my group if someone else would not have used the elevator, but because he led me there by example, without even knowing I was watching, I was able to find the way. Who are you being an example to without knowing? Who is going to follow your path out of desperation, hoping it might be the way? ©Pamela Sonnenmoser Ministries

2009-11-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

I love the Fall. The weather begins to cool down. Fall color tinges the trees and brush. Grass slows its growth and pumpkins ripen. As the world around me changes from green to gold I am reminded that the change before us will usher in a new thing in God's plan. But that new thing; the new growth, cannot happen until the old has fallen away and been purified through the cold of winter. Fall is the first reminder of God's Promise to renew and bring life from the earth.

And I love fall decorations, gourds and pumpkins and bales of straw. Perhaps a happy scarecrow sitting nearby. I have enjoyed decorating the front yard this month. I changed my flower pots from pansies and petunias to bright orange and deep red mums. I cut my own corn stalks from our fields and tied them with a beautiful fall bow. It is so much fun to go and pick the perfect pumpkins for display. It is like preparing for a celebration.
But what are we celebrating? Is it a celebration of change? Yes, but more than that, fall is easily the celebration of Christ's work on the Cross. You see, at that moment things changed, defeat fell like dead leaves and in His resurrection we were given the opportunity to have new life that pushes past the death in the world around us. What an awesome thing it is to be a most loved Child of the King. ©Pamela Sonnenmoser Ministries