A really special day.......God Bless Anna!

 

Today was Anna's baptism.  It was a wonderful family and friends event.  Anna was just amazing.  I don't think anyone heard her cry during the entire 3 hour event.  She was passed around and cuddled and jostled this way and that.   There were a bunch of kids (15 I think) running around, playing, shouting, laughing, and sometimes crying.  And Anna didn't even seem to notice.  She slept in the arms that she happened to find herself.  Every time I looked at her, I thought about Gwen.  She looks very much like her mama! 

This picture of Gwen was on the day we came home from the hospital.  I thought that Lia looked a lot like Gwen, but I think Anna even looks more like her.   Confession here -  I called Lia "Gwen" more than one time today.  (I think I AM turning into my mother!) So I expect that will be happening in the future with Anna also.

Gwen and her friend Kyle sang the song "Remember Me" to begin the Baptismal service.  I just love the words to this song.  I believe that this is the same song that was sung at each of the kid's baptisms.  So much of this special event is about remembering.  I love that any time I attend a baptism I think about my children's baptism and also my own baptism.  And I think about exactly what God does in baptism. What an amazing gift we receive as we are welcomed into the family of God and receive the Holy Spirit.    Here are the lyrics of the song..... "Remember Me". 

 

Remember me   In a Bible cracked and faded by the years
Remember me   In a sanctuary filled with silent prayers

 

And age to age   And heart to heart
Bound by grace and peace
Child of wonder, Child of God
I'll remember you   Remember Me

 

Remember me   When the color of the sunset fills the sky
Remember me   When you pray and the tears of joy
fall from your eyes

 

Remember me   When the children leave their Sunday school with smiles
Remember me   When they're old enough to teach
Old enough to preach  Old enough to leave

 

Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God

Remember me

Age to age and heart to heart
Child of wonder child of God

 

 

What a special day with family and friends.  I feel so blessed tonight.  I love that we can remember and celebrate the gift of baptism.  God bless Annaleigh Ellen Johnson, child of God! 

When Jesus calls us to do impossible things.......

 

So here it is, only the fifth of January, and I am so tired of the cold and snow!  This was what my car looked like this morning when we opened the garage door to begin the dig out process.  Unfortunately our house has this sort of "alcove" which causes the snow to just pile up next to the garage door (and on top of the car parked closest to the door).  I would guess that we had somewhere around 9 or 10 inches of new snow yesterday and today.  And now we are going into the deep freeze.  Like -13 for our projected HIGH temperature tomorrow with a wind chill of -50.  YUCK!  The good news is that I don't have to work and neither does Ken!  So it will be another day of hunkering down and enjoying being inside.

Today I have been thinking about my devotional question of the day........
"What would we do if God never called us to greater things, to things that were more His size?" 

The Bible is full of stories of people who were called to great things that they could NEVER do.  It would be hard to image what the Bible would be without these.  Off the top of my head, I am thinking of Daniel in the Lion's den, David fighting Goliath, Peter walking on water..... yes there are many, many times when God gives people tasks that are totally outside of their ability.  It is then that we really appreciate HIS ability to work through us.  I have no doubt of the power and ability of God to do anything he chooses.  He is the creator of the world.  He BREATHED and the world came into being.  I know that He is powerful.  What is harder to imagine is that He asks US to participate in His work.  Today as I was out in the snow, I was thinking of the power of God that is displayed through the weather.  The weather is part of creation and part of God's plan and destiny for the world.  And it is totally OUT of our control.  So in answer to the question above, I think that we would lose sight of the power and ability of God if he didn't challenge us to experience a tiny bit of it ourselves.   When you have one of those moments when Jesus calls you to a thing that it totally outside of your ability, and then you COMPLETE that task..... well it is an amazing feeling. I remember when I knew that Jesus was calling me to go to Africa on a mission trip.  This was totally out of my ability on so many levels.  And when I returned from that trip I was absolutely sure of one thing..... Jesus had done an amazing work and I was right, it was out of my ability. 

Won't you consider the question today?  Think about what life would be like if we were never challenged to move out of our own ability.  And then consider all of the people from the Bible that accomplished impossible tasks through God. 

Jesus, thank you for the reminder today that you have a purpose for calling us to tasks that seem impossible.  You are God of the impossible!  Holy Spirit, keep me open to the "impossible" things that Jesus asks of me.   Thank you for warmth of home, shelter from the storms outside, and rest from work.  Amen

The sky was silent, the church was full....

I was in an interesting position twelve years ago.  As a church secretary I was usually alone in the church office for the better part of most days. An elder care daycare group used part of the church facility to provide daytime care for senior citizens that could not be left alone.  A normal part of my early morning routine was to visit with the staff and the elderly clients, while getting my morning cup of coffee from the kitchen.   That day, twelve years ago, was not different to begin with.  I had my coffee in hand and the staff member turned on the TV to the Today show, which the clients watched every morning.  And then I saw it - the plane fly into the building.  Almost as it happened.  And then the second plane.  The clients did not understand.  But the staff did and I did.  I rushed to my office and started tying to call my family.  My daughter, Gwen, was in her first year of teaching and had only been in class for a few weeks.  What a hard start to a teaching career.  She got called to the Principal's office (scary enough) and then told the news.  The school was on "lock down" until they decided what to do.  The interesting thing about the school was that it was a mix of Muslim and Jewish children with a few others thrown in.  The school was almost across the street from a Mosque.  A very difficult situation to say the least.  My son-in-law was still in college, commuting into the city every day, so there was a concern about him actually getting home. I was able to finally connect with Ken and Doug also.  I talked to my mom that morning. She was very stoic about the event. She had lived through many big life events like this. What was on her mind, was "Pearl Harbor" day. She related that for her, that day represented the war happening CLOSE to her. And I realized that was exactly how I felt. Suddenly the terrorist activity was to close for comfort.

Then, an amazing thing happened.  There were people just showing up at the church.  They wanted to come in and pray.  I opened the doors, turned on the lights, lit the candles and began to welcome the people in.  For most of that day, there was a steady stream of people coming and going from the church.  I replaced the kleenex boxes several times.  Not much work got done that day.  People just wanted to talk and to pray.  By the time the Pastor showed up, the parking lot was full.  It had never occurred to me that there might be a problem with opening the doors.  I simply did not care.  The people needed a place to pray and they needed a place to feel safe.  And for those who were drawn to the church, that's what it was.  I did not care if they were members or just people passing by.  So, I will always remember the day as a time when the church was full - all day.  And the people were praying. 

When you have lived for over 40 years so close to the "world's busiest airport", you are used to the constant sights and sounds of airplanes in their flight patterns.  We actually get planes from both of the Chicago airports.  So the absence of the airplanes was eerie.  The sky was silent. 

Unfortunately, the full church didn't last long.  Actually, I was told not to admit anyone the next day.  There were plans made to do an "organized" service.  However, those plans never actually happened.  Some people came to pray the next couple of days.  But the word was out that the church was not "opened".  And the people went elsewhere to pray. For a few weeks there was an upturn in church attendance. But gradually, as the weeks went by, the numbers fell back to the pre 9/11 numbers.   And within a few days, the airplanes were flying again.  And life returned to normal.  The NEW normal.  The post 9/11 normal.

 

One thing that has changed and stayed changed, is that we have had a flag flying on our house for the last 12 years.  I really can't imagine our house without that flag.  It is an important symbol and a reminder that many people have given their lives to preserve the freedoms represented by that flag.  I loved seeing all the flags show up after 9/11.  And there are still many, many flags displayed on houses, commercial buildings and public places.  In spite of the many failings of our government in the last months, I am proud to have that flag displayed on my home.  I believe that the United States of America were established and blessed by God.  He has a plan and purpose for our nation, for our land and for all of us.  And his plans will be fulfilled. No act of terrorists will stop the plan.  

Just like my mom, I  have a list of "big events" that are those days that everyone knows exactly where they were when it happened.  Included on my list is the day Kennedy was assassinated, the Moon landing, the Challenger accident, and then 9/11.  I am so glad that I am not living in fear after 9/11. 
In fact, for me personally, the last 12 years have been a time of a great increase of peace and joy.  These have been wonderful years filled with family, love and growing in understanding of Jesus and His great plans.  And these years have been filled with Thanksgiving. 

Jesus, thank you for your great plan. Jesus, please comfort all those who lost loved ones on 9/11. Holy Spirit, release more of your peace and joy even right now.  Help us to see all of the things that happen from your perspective, Jesus.  Give us a truly heavenly vision.  Yahweh, there is much unrest around the world today.  Strengthen your people and give them courage and boldness to stand in the midst of turmoil. Remind us to stand with them and cover them with our prayers.  Holy Spirit HOVER over them today.  Amen  



Not content with sitting anymore!

This is a very old picture of our house.  The same house we have lived in since 1978 - which is when this picture was taken.  We were in the process of moving in when this was taken.  I had a somewhat surreal experience today.  I was walking back to the house after getting the mail at about 3:00pm on a Saturday afternoon.  When I reached the front sidewalk by our house, I just stopped.  The neighborhood was totally quiet.  There was not a sound from any direction.  There were no children, no bikes, no kids playing.  There was not even any lawn mowers or people working on their houses or cars.  Simply quiet. The mark of a "changing neighborhood".  Not the way some might think - but simply aging.  Now, to be fair, there are some children in our neighborhood.  In fact, right next door.  But they are not home much.  In the immediate 12 houses, the two preschoolers next door are the only kids under the age of 16.  When Gwen started kindergarten, there were 15 kindergarten kids picked up at the bus stop right in front of our house!  And that was just one of many stops in our neighborhood.  How times have changed.  I miss the noisy play of the kids riding bikes and skateboards up and down the block.  I miss the laughing and the running and the fun.   I loved to sit out front and watch the action on the block.  Some of my favorite memories are of that time, sitting!

Which brings me to today's revelation.  Today I was thinking about this year at work.  Both families that I work for are in the process of moving into new homes.  And both homes are undergoing renovations.   I am sure that Yahweh will be speaking to me about this in the coming months.  He is in the business of restoration projects!  But then suddenly I heard the words "You are not a sitter".  At first I just kind of thought, "No, I'm not a sitter, I am a nanny".  (Since I was thinking about work, this made sense.)  But then I realized what Yahweh was saying to me.  He was actually giving me some very important direction for my life.  And I love the way that he often speaks to me in word plays.  Then Jesus went on to give me some further direction.  I am not to be just a receiver, I need to be a transmitter.  This is actually what Yahweh wants for ALL of us.  We should not just be receiving from Him, without giving out.

Today's message is DON'T BE A SITTER (JUST A  RECEIVER ) BE A TRANSMITTER! 

I looked up the word transmitter in the dictionary.  Once again thanks to Websters online dictionary, I found that a transmitter is a necessary component of communication that broadcasts or sends out, to be received by others.  The second definition was, something that amplifies and modulates what it receives into a meaningful sound that can be interpreted. 

Yep, Jesus wants us to be transmitters of all that he is putting into us! We each need to take in everything that Yahweh is speaking to us, through His word, through others around us, through teachers.  But then we need to let the Holy Spirit in us, be the one that amplifies and/or modulates what we have taken in.  In that way our sharing with others will be understood and meaningful. The mistake that I have been making (and many others make) is to just be content with SITTING!  We just take in and take in.  We have learned to be good receivers.  But we haven't gone to that next level and learned to be TRANSMITTERS!  It does take practice.  We need to let the Holy Spirit remind us when and what to share.  But we need to be expectant and willing.    I am thankful for this blog that has allowed me to get some practice in being a transmitter.  And I will look for more ways to broadcast the amazing things that I have been receiving.

Yahweh, thank you for speaking to me in such a personal way.  You know exactly how to get my attention.  Jesus I love that you speak into my life and give me direction and guidance, even when I am not really asking.  Help us all to learn to listen to the Holy Spirit giving us directions and encouragement to share. Help us to remember to not just be SITTERS.  Give us your desire to be transmitters.   It is so neat that your plan is to use us as your transmitters!  You are a great and wonderful God.  Amen

What's in a name.....

Last night I had a dream about a very high waterfall.  It wasn't big - like Niagra Fall, It was really narrow, but flowing very fast.

 

 

This is a picture of a small waterfall in Rockford.  But I did think of this picture when I woke up this morning.  I know that Yahweh is speaking to me whenever there is water included in the picture.  Okay -  here is more truth telling!   One of the first times that I heard Jesus speak clearly to me, I heard John 7:38 -  "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him".  The Holy Spirit wrote that verse into me, and I knew that verse was significant for me.   Imagine my surprise, when months later, I discovered that my name -Lynnette-actually means "streams of living water" and the verse associated with my name is John 7:38!  To me this was confirmation that Yahweh named me.  He cares for me and he has a unique plan and purpose for my life. 

Back to the dream from last night...  I was standing at the top of the waterfall and the water looked so inviting.  I remember thinking about jumping in!  And just as I thought about jumping, I was sailing down the waterfall.  It was amazing!  I wasn't afraid and it was a wonderful ride.  Along the way, I was noticing that there were people all along the sides of the waterfall.  Some were standing and some were sitting on the grass.  It was such a pleasent scene.  And it felt like exactly where I was supposed to be. 

So today, I am much more confident that writing this blog, is exactly what I am supposed to be doing.  It is through this blog that I am able to let those streams of living water flow out from me.  I can write about the things that Yahweh is speaking to me.  And I can share with all of you, how great the plans and purposes of Jesus are for you.  He has a destiny for you and He wants to speak to you. So tonight I am celebrating "Taking the plunge" down that waterfall.  Because I know that Yahweh is in charge of this ride. 

Yahweh, thank you for speaking to me in dreams.  Thank you for your plans and purposes and destiny.  Jesus, you are speaking from heaven and we just need to be still and listen.  Thank you for my name.  You work in some of the most amazing ways.  Yahweh, work in the lives of the people reading this blog.  Help them to hear your voice and come into a better understanding of all that you have for them.  Amen

Celebrating healing.... and praying for healing!

Yesterday we had one of those wonderful days spending time together as a family.  However, we were missing Doug - my son!  Unfortunately, he is sick with a fever.  He stayed home and rested while the rest of us met at a local water park. For me, water and swimming are closely tied to spending time relaxing with the people I love the most.  (See the previous post on Lake Maud!)  We had the almost ideal day.  It was warm enough without being HOT.  And we had plenty of shade available and to top it all off, the park wasn't very crowded.  With 5 adults and 3 kids there were plenty of hands to help with the little ones.  We all spent some time just riding those tubes in the lazy river.  Then after hours of swimming and time in the sand area and splash park, we knew it was time to head out.  Zeke, our two year old grandson, had not had a nap.  He could barely walk he was so tired.  But before we left, we all gathered together to have a wonderful meal, provided by my daughter-in-law. There were a couple of picnic tables in a grassy area of the parking lot.  So we all sat down to eat together.  I don't know why it is, but any food that is eaten outside always tastes so good!  It was at this point that I think I most missed Doug.  Looking around at everyone eating and laughing together.   Then, just as we were getting ready to leave, my three grandkids went to explore one of the trees.  I took the opportunity to snap some pictures.  Here is Zeke (2) Ellie (4) and Lia (7).

 



 When I downloaded those pictures last night, all I could think about was this picture from the past...

 

This picture is Gwen and Doug from 1985.  Gwen was 6 and Doug was 3.  When I sat and looked at these two pictures, I felt the passage of time.  But more than that, in spite of Doug not being present with us at this event, I remembered Yahweh's blessings over our family that included Doug's health. I realize that there is an irony about Doug being under the weather yesterday, when I am posting about Yahweh's provision of  his health.  But I am truth- telling here.  Doug was a very sick little boy. With very serious kidney and immune system problems that actually began when he was born, there was a point when we were not sure that he would survive.  After many, many days in the hospital, a lot of medicine, surgeries (that included Doug losing a kidney) and seriously too many doctors to count, I know that it was GOD that brought healing to Doug.  There was not a dramatic healing moment, rather there was a gradual return to good health that included medicine.    Part of the frustration about the years of sickness that Doug experienced, was that the doctors never could pinpoint the exact diagnosis.  Nothing exactly fit. But there was a point when Doug was five and half, when we had to make the decision to take him off of the medicine and risk him getting sick again. It was Yahweh that brought us to that point and gave us the peace to follow through with that decision. And Doug never experienced that sickness again. Recently, I happened upon an article about a little girl who had a very similar medical history as Doug.  The article detailed the diagnosis of her disorder.  It is a recently discovered genetic problem (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome) that grouped together many children who had never had an accurate diagnosis.  Reading that article was an answer to questions that had always been in my mind.  But even if Doug does have that genetic deletion, it simply doesn't change that Yahweh has a plan and purpose for Doug that included his healing.  Thank you Yahweh!

 

I love the way that Jesus reminds us of who He is.  He is our healer, our provision and our peace.  I especially love that when we gather around a table and eat together, we can remember that we are a part of Yahweh's family. 

 

Yahweh, thank you for family time, for laughter, and swimming and hugs.  Thank you for your provision of good food and fun.  Jesus, you are an amazing God that loves us with an unending love.  Thank you for providing answers to long ago questions and then giving the peace to know that the answer doesn't matter.   Especially, thank you for your healing both in the past and today. Yahweh, bring your healing power to Doug right now!    Amen

 

 

  



 



When Jesus knows your heart......

Do you know how you have some people that you have never met, and you can't wait to get to heaven to talk with them? Well, Corrie ten Boom is one of those people for me. I imagine that I am one of thousands of people who have been touched by her through her books, writings or the movie "The Hiding Place."  By the time I read about her and then read her book in the late 1980's she was already dead.  This morning I found a link on my Facebook feed to this amazing video.  Corrie ten Boom - in her own words.  It is 45 minutes long, but so worth watching.  I had never heard her speak and there is something about hearing her voice that spoke so much to my spirit. 

This reminded me of an interesting thing that happened to me, a LONG time ago.  (Well actually, about 22 years ago)  My walk with Jesus had been influenced greatly by reading Christian books - most of which were not new releases at the time.  I had read books by Larry Christenson, Dennis Bennet, John Sherrill, and heard stories about Kathryn Kuhlman.  I remember thinking how amazing it would be to actually get to hear these people speak or to see them at a conference. I knew that Kathryn Kuhlman had died in the 1970's, so it would not be possible to see her.  One evening, I was flipping through the channels on the TV and happened upon what I knew to be a very old program of a worship service.  I could tell by the way people were dressed that it was not a current program.  Suddenly there was an introduction, and Kathryn Kuhlman walked onto the stage.  I sat fixed on the screen and listened to her speak about the relationship between faith and healing.  It was mind-blowing.  Then much to my surprise, she introduced Dennis Bennet!  He joined her on stage and spoke a small portion of his testimony.  For me, it was an amazing gift.  I felt as if I had been given a chance to see these two in a real way - through the rebroadcast of an old television program.  It was such a God thing.  Then, just a short time later, I got to meet Larry Christenson and actually spend time fellowshiping with him at a retreat held by my church.  It was such a personal desire, that I felt Jesus had answered, just for me. 

And this morning I felt the same way.  Once again, I am so thankful that I live in a time of television, computers, the Internet - the information age.  It has allowed me to really see and hear these true saints of the church. 

Yahweh, thank you for all those who have put their faith stories onto paper so that they could be read generations later.  Jesus you know the desires of our hearts and it is your blessing to us to provide them.  Yahweh, continue to use the many books, videos, stories and testimonies of your people.  Thank you for your plan to use us, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to demonstrate to the world, who you are!  Jesus, thank you for posts on Facebook and old television programs!  Yahweh, you are an amazing and wonderful Father.   Amen

Once again, it's the little things that amaze me!

SPOILER ALERT!  IF YOU DON'T WHAT TO HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT THE BOOK "MARK OF THE LION" STOP READING THIS BLOG POST!  I will be discussing the ending of this book!  I am not going to name names or divulge details - just what Yahweh impressed on my heart as I finished reading this wonderful book.

A little while ago I wrote a blog post (A little more of my story...) and it included a picture of my great-great-great grandparents.  If you have not read that post, go there now and read it.  This post will not make much sense if you don't know that story.  I know that Yahweh has been reminding me of that post and that story over and over again.  There must have been something that I needed to be reminded about or something else I needed to see/learn from that post.  Then, over the last several days, I have been reading a series of three books that were recommended to me by my daughter.  I have posted about this in the last couple of days.  This morning I finished the series.  As I sat with tears streaming down my face, looking at the last paragraph, I flashed to my blog post of just a few days before and my great-great grandparents.  While I remember clearly that this book is a FICTION story, based on Biblical truth, I felt woven into the plot line. 

In the end of this book, in about AD100, there are a small group of Christians, worshiping and serving the Lord - in Germany.  They were telling everyone that they could reach, the Gospel message and the saving grace of Jesus.  And then they were sending out missionaries.  One to the Vikings. 

Pause here to catch my breath.  Yes, I felt the connection to my family.  So in 1850, in Germany, my family sent out missionaries to  the ends of the earth.  It was as if I saw - maybe for the first time - the real connection in my life, to the time of those who actually walked with Jesus.  And then, just to cap it all off, they sent off people to share the good news, to the Vikings - my Swedish and Norwegian ancestors.  I went back and looked at that picture of my great-great-grandparents.  And I marveled at the power of the Gospel.

This is my mom and dad on their wedding day in 1936.  My mom is of German/Norwegian heritage and my dad is Swedish.

Do you know how it is to feel like something was actually written just for you?  Well, this morning I had that feeling.  It was amazing.  Once again, I just can't imagine the plans and purposes of Yahweh for His creation - for the earth and all who live.  The plan that took a small group of ordinary people, filled with the Holy Spirit, covered by the love of Jesus, under the plan and direction of the Father they managed to reach out to the world.  And they were able to do this with NOTHING.  With only small parts of the written Word.  With no cars, no planes, no telephones, no internet, no computers, no blogs.  It had to be Yahweh. 

Yahweh, thank you so much for Francine Rivers and this book - one of many in her library of books.  Bless her, Father, with more of your compassion and direction as she continues to connect us to you and the Bible.  Thank you for opening my eyes in a new way to your destiny.  Yahweh, your kingdom is increasing and your glory will fill all the heavens and all the earth!  Amen

Misplaced blame........

 

You know how you have a "love/hate" relationship with some things in your life? I am sure that most are familiar with that phrase.  Those things that at times are so wonderful, but then at other times not so wonderful.  Well, I have one of those relationships with my Kindle.  I confess that, in fact, I love my Kindle.  It's just that when I start reading I can't stop. !  So, when I have been awake half the night reading, I blame my extreme tiredness the next day on the Kindle. This is not the Kindle's fault - it is totally ME.   And the thing is, thanks to the  internet, I have in my hands an almost endless library of books, magazines, articles and other reading material.  And a lot of the books are free or almost free.  And it is available 24 hours a day.  No running out of reading material.  No searching the book shelf for a book to read over again after having already read it more times than I can count.  Just pick up the Kindle and in just a couple of minutes, there is a new book to read. 

The book currently causing me to be so tired, is Mark of the Lion, by Francine Rivers.  I think I have read most of her books.  This series of three books begins in Jerusalem in AD70.  I love the way the author is able to weave so much Biblical truth into her books, while creating a wonderful story. I don't usually read historical books about Greece or Rome or gladiators.  But this is a story that draws you in.  So, take this as a personal recommendation for the book Mark of the Lion. 

What is really on my heart tonight is misplaced blame.  I have been thinking about how quick I was to "blame" my Kindle for my tiredness!  Isn't that a silly thing?  But Yahweh has been showing me how many times I try to place blame somewhere else, rather than seeing that I am to blame.  You know, blaming the traffic but really YOU are the one running late.  This is really misplaced blame. Satan wants to keep us blaming others so that we can remain unforgiven and filled with anger and bitterness.  I have discovered that I am much less angry and upset when I take responsibility for the things that are my doing.  Once I do this, I deal with the situation and with my emotions about it and solve the problem.  Confessing whatever failing and/or sin and then seeing Yahweh's response is ALWAYS  forgiveness and grace that  brings freedom and peace.  The best part about this is that no matter how small and even trivial OR how big of thing it is, doesn't matter at all to God.  The important thing is that you accept blame for whatever you have done.

What an amazing part of Yahweh's great plan.  We can be forgiven and set free, just be knowing and confessing our wrong doings.  I think over the next few weeks, I am going to pay much closer attention to my thoughts when things aren't going right.  Before getting angry and upset, I can just stop and pray and trust the Holy Spirit will reveal what needs to be revealed.  And then I can walk in greater freedom and peace. 

Yahweh, thanks so much for your plan of forgiveness.  Thanks for reminding me that you care about the small things as well as the big things.  Help me to remember to stop and pray when I am in challenging situations.  Thank you for your peace and the freedom from holding on to blaming others and the bitterness that follows that.  You are a mighty and wonderful God.   Amen

(And, just for the record, I confess that I have re-read almost all of the books that are on my Kindle.  I guess it doesn't matter how many books are available, when you have a good book, it is worth rereading.) 

Timing is everything....

How many times do we hear "timing is everything"?  Last week there was a post on The Elijah List website, by Dutch Sheets.   (See the entire post here Don't miss God's perfect timing)   I loved this paragraph....

Stay the course. Don't abort the process by letting weariness or frustration set in. Your harvest is being made ready. There is an appointed time for you to reap. Be faithful in the mundane. Don't despise the day of small beginnings. Don't lose heart in well doing. Never give up. Your shift may be closer than you think!

I think this spoke to me because I have been feeling weary and frustrated lately.  But in the last couple of weeks, I have also seen little glimpses of things starting to break and come together. (I know that sounds a little ridiculous - breaking AND coming together - a paradox.  But isn't the Bible filled with paradox?)

Early last week, I connected with a women from my daughter Gwen's church.  She has a passion for a ministry in the western area of Kenya near the town of Bungamo.  She has helped to bring the Heifer Project and also helped to build several wells around there.  Currently there are several ongoing projects in that area, with a Pastor and his church - including providing school uniforms for the children.  When I first heard about this ministry, I wondered if there was any way that my friend  Lucy Wa Ngunjiri might be of assistance.  I was somewhat skeptical that Lucy would be able to help because the majority of her work is in the Nairobi area - quite a distance from Bungamo.  I was able to provide a contact with a Kenyan man (actually Lucy's brother) in the United States who may be able to provide some guidance on these projects.   OKAY - HERE IS THE TIMING IS EVERYTHING CONNECTION. 

On Thursday, I was on Facebook and noticed that Lucy had posted some new pictures.  This picture is of a Prayer Rally that Lucy held, in May, IN BUNGAMO!  Apparently she had never posted any pictures of this rally and people had been asking for them.  If she had posted these pictures at any time BEFORE Tuesday of last week, I would never have noticed the name of the town.  She has held meetings all over Kenya and this town is not a place I knew.  Needless to say, this answered the question I had about Lucy being at all connected in that area.  You know when Yahweh has a plan and purpose for connecting people, He sees to all the details.  Even the posting of pictures on Facebook.  

So today I am feeling much less weary and frustrated.  When the words "Stay the Course"  make us shutter and we are so tired of "hanging on", we can take heart.  Yahweh has a great plan that includes his perfect timing. I just love how a small thing, like this picture on facebook, is really a very big thing in Yahweh's playbook.  It let me know that I am, somehow on the right path. 

Yahweh, thank you for your perfect timing. Thank you for the ministry connection you have made between Fellowship of Faith and Kenya.  Bless all that is being accomplished, in your time, through this connection. And especially thank you for weaving me into this connection.  Thank you Jesus for Lucy and her ministry.  I pray that you would continue to bless her and enlarge her tents.  Thank you for the little things that bring such encouragement to us.  Amen

Putting things in order

I had an amazing day yesterday with my daughter and grandchildren.  One of the many things we did during the day was organizing and cleaning up toys.  The recent move into a much larger house has given the kids a dedicated play space. Needless to say, the kids are loving having this spot to really discover toys that have been packed away for some time.   I loved watching Zeke, who is two years old, line up his cars by the car ramp.  I was thinking about the very exact way that he aligned each small matchbox car.   Oh how I love spending time with my grandchildren!  Even if it is just a day of helping to put things in order.  

Today I've been meditating on being in alignment with the plans and purposes Yahweh has for us.  You know how when your posture isn't good- when you don't stand up straight - your back starts to really bother you?   Well, while on vacation, my back was really hurting!  I could not identify anything that I had done to cause this and I was very frustrated.  I never get back aches!  And now, on vacation..............  well I was not happy.  Needless to say after several days, I caved and bought a heating pad.  It was so worth the $15!  My back relaxed and other than a couple of twinges, hasn't bothered me since.  But today I had to take a closer look at this event.  On Tuesday evening someone prayed for me that I would come into proper alignment in my walk with the Lord.  The prayer also included petitions for wisdom and revelation for me.  Well, I feel like I have been out of alignment and I have had a "spiritual back ache".  I just have not felt exactly right and there has been this little niggling unsettled feeling.  Has anyone else been feeling this?   I didn't identify it, but now I know what is going on! 

So.... I am not waiting until this gets worse!  I am going to apply the warmth and healing of Jesus.  I intend to focus on worship and praise and just being in the marvelous presence of Yahweh.  In the natural it was the heat that helped the most.  So I am going to apply the spiritual heat and rest in the knowledge that Yahweh wants the proper alignment for me even more than I do.  Looking back on some of my posts, this was exactly what Yahweh was speaking about in the coffee bean.  I just didn't hear it to the depth that I needed.  I am excited to see and hear what is revealed in the days ahead.  Because I am anxious to put things in order and know that I am in the process of getting into proper alignment.

Yahweh, thanks so much for giving us real life lessons in the practical, everyday things.  Thank you for prayers from other people that open our eyes.  Jesus, be that spiritual heating pad that will help me to relax and know you are working on that alignment.  Open the doors and make the connections that will help to bring things into order.  You are a God of order and you have a place of order for each of us.  Keep my ears and eyes open, Jesus so that I can absorb all that you have for me!  And I pray for anyone else who has been feeling "out of place".  Help us all to rest in you!  Amen

Do I need a "reason" to write?

I've only been doing this blog for a couple of months but it has been so life-giving for me.  Its funny how putting thoughts and words and prayers down in a blog feel like fulfilling my destiny.  I never thought of myself as a writer.  It would not have been something I imagined doing.  In fact, I really didn't like having to write when I was in school.  I much preferred reading over writing.  Back in 1988 when Jesus  became real to me, I started journaling.  I have boxes and boxes of spiral notebooks to show for the last 25 years.  I am so grateful that, early on in my learning and growing spiritual life, someone suggested that I try writing down my prayers.  But I never imagined writing with the purpose of someone else reading my thoughts, feelings and emotions.  And I couldn't comprehend writing down and sharing things that Jesus was saying to me.  Gradually, I sort of got used to the idea of sharing through writing.  But I certainly did not feel "qualified" to write anything really important.
Looking back, I can see that I ran away from writing when there were many times that Jesus was calling me to do exactly that.  Almost 20 years ago, Jesus gave me ideas for an extremely unconventional and powerful "out of the box" education program for children.  I did act on those ideas.  I actually created and executed a unique program for kids.  But very little of it was written down and much of it is contained in scraps of paper and folded copies.  I had a pastor at the time who was encouraging me to get the material in "publishable format".  But I didn't think I had the time and/or the resources to do that.  I wasn't qualified.  Eventually, some ideas did make it into print. (I have previously mentioned the materials on www.cyrusministries.com under Kids Rock).  However, not much more has been happening with my writing................until now. 

In April of 2012 I had a powerful visitation from an angel.  I woke one night from a dream and saw an angel standing by the end of my bed.  He was holding a silver tray.  On the silver tray was a very ornate gold pen. There was a powerful word from the Lord, encouraging me to write down and share the things I was receiving.  To fulfill my destiny.  I knew that I was supposed to write.  I started sort of gathering together some thoughts and ideas and trying to imagine who might even want to read what I was going to write. But that was as far as it went.

Then in February, I read a book that shook up my world.  You see, the author wrote words that I felt and heard in my own head.  I sobbed my way through the book.  The last chapter contained words that were so similar to things I had written in my little booklet "God's Plan and Purpose for Children", that it took my breath away.  I contacted the author of this book and she replied to me almost immediately.  Her response was that "it sounds like there is a book or more in you that is waiting to get out".  She encouraged me to write what I knew I needed to write.

So, here I am.  A new blogger.  I've been encouraged to do this blog by my daughter who always reminds me that "unqualified" is not an acceptable excuse.  Since the Bible is full of unqualified people who God used in amazing ways.  And I am continuing to gather my thoughts and ideas for some bigger project.  But for now, this blog has been amazing for me.   I want to encourage everyone who might be reading this post to follow your destiny.  Don't let being "unqualified" or "uneducated" stop you from following Yahweh's path for you. 

Thank you Yahweh for your patience with me.  Thank you for drawing me to a place where I can share all the wonderful things that you are doing in me and through me.  Yahweh please encourage and give hope to anyone who feels purposeless and hopeless.  You are the Creator and you have amazing ideas to share with us.  Jesus, I receive all that you have for me today.  Thank you for the people who have encouraged me to step out and write.  Yahweh, you are the reason that I write! 

The carrot, the egg and the coffee bean....

If I have learned one thing on this vacation it is to breath in during the horrible storms we have been driving through.  Ken and I were remembering one amazing vacation several years ago, when we drove over 3800 miles and never had one drop of rain!  This trip has not been like that.  We have had rain, RAIN AND MORE RAIN!  And of course, the worst storms always seem to happen in the cities with the most traffic!  Today I remembered to breath.  I remembered to pray.  I remembered to ask others to pray.  And then I picked up my phone and started looking at Facebook!  Isn't that a good way to take your mind off of the wind and the rain and the lightening?  Which brings me to the title of this post.   I saw a little story that has been on my mind the rest of the day.

The story compared hard and difficult times to a pot of boiling water.  The water doesn't change.  Just like our circumstances sometimes don't change.  So the question is...............  when you are in that pot of boiling water, are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?   The carrot starts off hard and solid.  But when dropped into that boiling water, it become soft and squishy.  It really doesn't hold up.  The egg has a hard exterior. It seems like it will be fine, but under those hot and boiling circumstances, the inside become hard. The coffee bean doesn't seem to change.  BUT the water changes.  Instead of being effected by the boiling water..... it changes the environment! 

I want to be a coffee bean!  How about you?  I want to stay solid and firm.  I don't want to get soft and mushy like that carrot.  And I know that I don't want to harden my heart like that egg.  And the coffee bean doesn't just change the water.... it releases a wonderful aroma that draws people in.   Once again I am in awe of Yahweh's plan for us.  He designed us to be able to not only get through difficult times, but we can actually change things in the midst of troubles and storms.  AND we can release a wonderful aroma of joy and peace at the same time.   The best part about this is that the coffee bean doesn't have to DO ANYTHING!!!!!  It just is!!!   It just gets thrown into that hot water and then just has to BE! 

So, I am going to think of myself as a coffee bean!  I will remember that I don't have to DO anything at all.  Those tough and difficult situations will happen, but in the midst of them, it is Yahweh's plan to release HIS presence and power that changes things.  And it is His aroma that swirls out as joy, and peace and love.  What a relief! 

Thanks to the person that posted that wonderful story.  It has given me much to think and meditate about.  The story helped me to relax and travel through the storm as we drove.  I love little things that help me to hold on to these concepts.  Today it is a coffee bean!

Yahweh, what a wonderful, loving, amazing God you are.  I am in awe of your plans and your purposes.  You reign over the heavens and over the earth.  You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Thank you for showing me your plan in the little things.  Thank you for the coffee bean! (And the coffee!).   Amen

Living in the Sandwich

I know this is a funny title for this post.....  But today was one of those times when you realize your "place" in your family.  I experienced being in the sandwich today.  For the better part of the day, I visited with my 93 year old father-in-law.  He is a wealth of information on many different subjects, after years as an accomplished mechanical engineer with a metallurgist masters degree.  He traveled the world and speaks several languages.  Today, however, we had a wonderful private talk about God.  It was so refreshing to hear him express a true belief in Jesus and the gospel message. And I got to share with him, a bit about my experiences with Yahweh.  This time spent with him, made this trip so worth it!  Shortly after our talk I saw that my daughter posted an ultrasound picture and announcement of my 4th grandchild - expected in February, 2014.  And I was hit by the reality of being "in the sandwich".  Here I am with an elderly parent and an expected grandchild.  Sandwiched between the generations.  But also feeling the generational shift to the far side of that sandwich, since my own parents are no longer living.  I've moved from the meat to the bread side!

Merv (my father-in-law) is a scientist and he sees no conflict between science and faith.  It was interesting to listen to his perspective on God.  He described the assurance he felt in the Creator by the scientific fact of the placement of the earth at exactly the correct orbit to sustain life.  As he said, "Only God could have planned that!". 

My encouragement to anyone and everyone out there reading this blog, is to seek out your family. Find those times of conversation to discuss what is REALLY important.  Don't waste time on only the trivial things.  I don't mean with just the oldest in your family.  Yes, it is important to hear from their wisdom and experience.  But don't forget the children.  Ask, and listen.   And remember also those in your own generation.  Be truth tellers.  Be reflectors of all that Yahweh has placed in you.  Be lovers and givers. Be receivers! 

Tonight, I am so thankful that Yahweh planned for today to happen!  That he gave me the opportunity to talk one on one with Merv.  To hear his heart and feel the love of Jesus in the room. What an amazing God!  Praise Him!

 

What an awesome Creator God!

 I am always so in awe of the Creator when I spend time in creation.  Yesterday and today were no exceptions.  WOW!  I love being at the beach!  Yesterday's sunset across the Gulf of Mexico was just breathtaking.  The clouds, the waves, the birds...... everything.  Simply amazing.  As I sat there and watched the waves, the pelicans and other wading birds, and the clouds and the sun, I was hearing in my head...."In the beginning...... "  I am so thankful that Yahweh has revealed parts of himself in all of creation around us.  I think of the power and movement of the water.  What a picture of His power.  Each of these birds has been created exactly for their enviornments.  The pelicans that can scoop their food out of the waves.  The wading birds that pluck the sand fleas with their long, scooped beaks.  Then the sun.  The heat and light and the reminder of the SON who brings us into the LIGHT. 

Last night I was thinking about how I might reflect the Creator.   Yahweh, I am thankful that you have given me the ability to hear your voice and speak your words.   Thank you that I can affect my enviornment, just by Your presence within me.  How powerful is that?  To be able to bring a measure of peace to places of stress.  To be able to speak truth into places of doubt or discouragement.  To bring love and kindness when others bring hate and grief.  To receive everything that Yahweh is and has and then to just reflect those gifts. 

Yep, I am grateful to be a reflection of the Creator.  He is awesome and I don't have to do anything myself.  That is a wonderful blessing.   I can relax and just soak up the Creator.  He has such a wonderful plan.  All we have to do is just receive it.  I am going to just keep on receiving all that I can.   And then I plan on letting all of that awesome stuff, just be reflected out.   What a great way to spend a vacation.

 



 

 

 

 



Mean what you say and say what you mean!

Little Ellie, my 4 year old granddaughter,  announced yesterday that she was very scared of potatoes!  Of course she is not really afraid of a food item.  It was storming very badly and what she meant to say was that she was scared of tornados!  Today I have been thinking about the times when I may have said something that wasn't at all what I intended to say.  And I also have been meditating on the many messages I have heard that seem to have a hard time communicating what the speaker actually wants to say. 

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could keep our communications to short, simple, ideas?  I remember once hearing that every speaker should keep the content of messages at a 3rd grade level since that is all most people can absorb.  I suppose some people might say that this is "talking down" to a crowd.  But, then again, I can often remember the children's message given during a church service and totally forget what the main sermon was about.  

I am very thankful that Yahweh doesn't speak to me in complex and confusing ways.  When I have received something, I know exactly what Yahweh is saying.  Sometimes I am unsure of the intended recipient or the timing.  But I know that I need to pay attention to what has been given to me.  So, here is today's short, simple message.....   "In the shaking and storms, I AM with you.  I will hold you and rain my peace and presence down over you, and in you.  Because I love you."

Thank you Jesus for being with me and in me.  Thank you that your peace is more than enough, even in the storm.   Amen

Endurance to rest

Over the last couple of days I have had more time than usual to think about and digest the
amazing words I heard on Friday.  And I am beginning to understand more about one of these words - Endurance to Rest!   Every time I go to a HUB meeting the verse "Be still and know that I am God" seems to come up.  Friday night, again - here was the the same message.   And the deeper message of having endurance to be still and rest and hear Yahweh. 

Guess what????  It is VERY HARD to be patient and have endurance to be still and rest.   When there are hours stretching out ahead of you, with no place to go and nothing pressing you need to do, you begin to grasp the meaning of endurance. 

Here is the Webster definition of endurance.......

ability to bear prolonged hardship: the ability or power to bear prolonged exertion, pain, or hardship

toleration of hardship: toleration of prolonged suffering or hardship

persistence over time: the survival or persistence of something despite the ravages of time

I love the idea of "ravages of time".   I realized that my "normal" is so busy, when I actually have a couple of free days, it feels like the ravages of time to me!  Isn't that sad?  And I know that I am not alone in this.   I am sure that if you asked 10 people in your life about being still for a couple of days, they would most likely discover the same thing.   It is difficult to simply be still.  

I want to take this one step further.  I don't want to just rest for the sake of resting.  I want to have the endurance to rest SO THAT I can receive all that Yahweh has for me.   That is where the endurance comes in.   It is the knowing that while resting, you need to have your hands, your heart and your spirit stretched out, to take in from Yahweh. 

Yahweh, help me to really rest, even despite the ravages of time.  I want to be a good receiver.  I am determined to be still, to rest and then to receive all that you have for me.  Thank you for this time out of my normal routine that you have provided for me.     Amen.

His Banner Over Me is Love!

Tuesday night in worship I saw a wonderful white banner flying overhead. (Think a large, long flag that was fluttering in the breeze).  On the banner were the words "Wholly Holy".   No, this isn't a typo - it said wholly, holy.  I knew that Yahweh's message was that he was and is and will be always - totally holy.  100%.  No part of Him that is not holy.  Isn't that amazing?  I was blown away by this.  I am so grateful that I often "see" these pictures, especially for this.  Because if I had heard this, it would have just been "Holy, Holy".  And I would have missed the entire message of the night.  Yahweh is totally, entirely holy.  While contemplating the depth of this picture, I began to hear the song "His Banner Over Me" and knew that this banner was His love.  During the remainder of our meeting I saw that banner flying over us.  It was a picture of the great love that IS Yahweh.  Then, as we celebrated Communion together, I saw that banner descend on all of us in that room and fill us with His love.  What a great night. 

Later, as I was seeing that banner over me and over my family, I had a clear picture of a baby being swaddled in a blanket.  As a grandma and nanny I know the effect a good tight swaddle can have on a fussy baby.   There is a great comfort for infants when they are held tightly.  Some babies can't relax and burp without being swaddled.  And the Lord reminded me that in these times of great shaking, He is swaddling His people in the blanket of His love.  Even when we feel as if we are being tossed around and swung back and forth, His love is holding us tightly. 

Thank you Yahweh for your pictures and revelations that bring me such peace.  Thank you for your wholly, holiness that is who you are. I am so blessed  to have your banner of love over me, around me and within me.  
                               His Banner Over Me Is Love
    The Lord is mine and I am His, His banner over me is love.
    The Lord is mine and I am His, His banner over me is love.
    The Lord is mine and I am His, His banner over me is love.
    His banner over me is love!

    He brought me to His banqueting table, His banner over me is love.
    He brought me to His banqueting table, His banner over me is love.
   He brought me to His banqueting table, His banner over me is love.
   His banner over me is love!

    He lifted me up into heavenly places, His banner over me is love.
    He lifted me up into heavenly places, His banner over me is love.
    He lifted me up into heavenly places, His banner over me is love.
    His banner over me is love!

    He is the vine and we are the branches, His banner over me is love.
    He is the vine and we are the branches, His banner over me is love.
    He is the vine and we are the branches,His banner over me is love.
    His banner over me is love!

    Jesus is the rock of my salvation, His banner over me is love.
    Jesus is the rock of my salvation,  His banner over me is love.
    Jesus is the rock of my salvation,His banner over me is love.
    His banner over me is love!
 
One additional, interesting thing.  Tuesday was also the day of "Abide In Me".  Everything seemed to be about the vine and the branches.  I did not remember until finding the lyrics for this blog, that the message of the vine and branches is part of this song also!  So I will continue to reflect on abiding in the vine, as well as on His banner of love!

Abide in Him

Yesterday was one of those days that cause me to sit back and think, "wow - did that really just happen to me?"

 A little bit of a back story...... I have been a part of a ministry called Cyrus Ministry International since 1991.  The founders and directors of this ministry have literally traveled all over the world, sharing the message of Jesus.   In 2004 I was able to go with them to Kenya and Uganda.  It was a life changing experience for me in many ways.  A little over a year after returning from this trip, I received a phone call from Lucy, a women I met in Kenya.  She had been my translator as I ministered to several large groups of children at her church.  I hadn't realized it at the time, but the fact that she was there, was amazing.  Lucy was in fact a rather, well known radio DJ and a favorite among the people. She was not normally someone who would be doing translations.   Only Yahweh could have caused our paths to cross.   The phone call  was to announce that she was in Atlanta, GA and had just had a baby girl.  This baby was a miracle!  While we were in Kenya, my friends and I had prayed for her to be able to concieve a baby.  She and her husband had been trying to expand their family for more than 7 years. Yahweh heard our cry and here was little "Hope-Lyn", born in September of 2005.   I was touched and amazed that she and Lameck, her husband, choose to name that miracle after me.  Lucy said that my words from Yahweh gave her the ability to hope and believe that she would have a child and then there was Hope-Lyn.  Even as I write these words, it seems incredible that something like this would happen to me.   And  as I was soaking in the miracle, Yahweh spoke clearly to me ....... HOPE, LYN!   Not many people know, but during this same time frame, my daughter and son-in-law were trying to start their family.  And it had been many months.  While I was outwardly not very concerned, my prayers had been, "Please Lord".  And that day, I heard so clearly that I needed to HOPE - and not despair. The very next week, my daughter found out that she was pregnant with my sweet little Lia.   I went to Atlanta to be with Lucy and meet Hope-Lyn as she was dedicated to Yahweh.  And Lucy, Lameck and Hope-Lyn visited with us in 2007.  Both Lucy and I know that Yahweh has a much greater purpose for our connection than we are seeing in the natural. 

Which brings me to yesterday....  My cell phone rang with an international number.  I answered and was greeted by an amazing 7 1/2 year old  Hope-Lyn!  She wanted to sing to me (which brought me to tears) to recite a memory verse (actually verses -John 15:1-10 - in English) and to pray for me.  Yesterday morning, before this phone call, I was singing the song "You are the Vine and We are the branches".  Apparently Hope-Lyn heard the same thing from Yahweh, because that was the idea of her song also!  And that song is from those very verses in John.  Isn't Yahweh just so great!  I am so blessed and so thankful to know that around the world, in Kenya, I have friends - both young and old- who are thinking of me and praying for me.  

I can't help but think that these two amazing 7 year olds have not met by accident.  Yahweh has a divine plan and purpose for their lives that will be wonderful to watch unfold.   And Lucy is now an ordained evangelist. She has a very large ministry, Prayers Beyond Boundries, based in Kenya.  Her ministry includes an orphange that serves over 75 children. Take a look at her facebook page - Evangelist Lucy Wa Ngunjiri (Official).

And, yes, I am spending some time meditating on what it means to "Abide in Him". 

Another blog that really spoke to me....

I just read a post by blogger Rachel Held Evans called "I don't write for an audience of one".  I was so blessed to be introduced to this blogger by my daughter, Gwen.  Seriously - if you have time - go to her web site and take in some of her posts.  They are amazing.   So much of what she writes, resonates with me (and so many others).   Today, I felt  she was talking directly to me.  This is her response to the question "how to you get people to read and follow your blog?" And then follow the question by saying that it really doesn't matter if anyone DOES read their words......  Rachel says.....

 

I confess I kinda want to shake these people and say: “Don’t you see! You were made to want others to read your work! Don’t you see! Your talent DOES bring glory to the God who created you!”

Again, this doesn’t mean we have to have a massive audience to enjoy our creative work. As Eric Liddell so beautifully put it, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel his pleasure.” There is joy in creative expression with or without an audience of other people.

But the desire to share these thoughts and experiences—to be heard, to be understood, to be recognized, to be affirmed—is not inherently selfish. It’s good. It’s holy. It’s challenging. It’s fun.

How easy it is to forget that we are the result of the collaborative work of a relational Being who in the beginning said, “Let Us make mankind in our image, in our likeness,” and who looked upon that creation and called it good.  Even God did not create for an audience of One.

 

So, thank you Rachel Held Evans for reminding me that Yahweh has given me the desire to share, the place to share and the very words to share!  

 

to read more go to www.rachelheldevans.com